Iron deficiency anemia is a disorder of blood cell production caused by decreased amounts of iron in your body. This diminished amount of iron can interfere with the delivery of oxygen to tissues in your body, potentially causing nerve damage, or neuropathy. Talk to your doctor before taking iron or any other type of supplement.
Iron
Iron is needed for the health of many tissues, and it is one of the most studied micronutrients. Iron in the diet comes in two forms: heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron comes from animal-based foods, such as meat, and diet does not affect its absorption. Non-heme iron comes from other foods, such as plants, and its absorption varies depending on what other substances are in the meal. For example, vitamin C and certain organic acids increase non-heme iron absorption, whereas soy protein and polyphenols decrease non-hem iron absorption.
Iron Deficiency
Iron is involved in making many different proteins, including the protein hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that allows them to transport oxygen. Low iron levels can cause poor hemoglobin synthesis, making it harder for your body to make new red blood cells. The resulting low red blood cell level is marked by chronic fatigue, pallor and weakness.
Iron and Neuropathy
Although iron does not have a direct effect on your nervous system, impaired delivery of oxygen to your nerve cells can cause damage and cell death. As a result, a lack of iron can cause nerve damage, or neuropathy. A 2002 study published in the "Journal of Tropical Pediatrics" found that a lack of iron caused nerve damage that could be reversed by giving iron supplements. Low iron levels are also associated with the neurological disorder restless leg syndrome, suggesting that decreased iron levels can affect the nervous system even if nerve cells are not actually killed due to the iron deficiency.
Considerations
Although iron can cause problems with your nervous system, neuropathy due to iron loss is rare. If you develop any signs of neuropathy, such as pain, numbness or tingling in your extremities, talk to your doctor. Be careful when taking iron supplements; excessive iron intake can cause iron to be deposited in your tissues, resulting in severe side effects, such as liver and heart damage. Talk to your doctor before taking any mineral supplements.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute; Iron; Jane Higdon; 2006
- MayoClinic.com: Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Medline Plus: Iron Deficiency
- "Journal of Tropical Pediatrics"; Reversal of Iron Deficiency Anemia-induced Peripheral Neuropathy by Iron Treatment in Children with Iron Deficiency Anemia; Nimet Kabakus, et al.; 2002
