The mineral called iron is vitally important to human beings. If you have an iron deficiency, it can affect many body processes and cause fatigue. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the United States, and the leading cause of anemia. Maize can be a factor in anemia.
Iron
Iron is used in many cell functions and is a component of a number of enzymes. Iron is a part of the protein called hemoglobin that is contained in red blood cells and carries oxygen through the body. Iron deficiency can cause delayed development in infants, increase the risk for early or preterm babies, cause fatigue that impairs adults' ability to work and affect memory or other mental functions in teens.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency, anemia and iron deficiency anemia--the terms are used interchangeably--range from depleted iron stores in the body that do not affect functioning to severe impairment. Symptoms of iron deficiency include pale skin, extreme fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, headache and dizziness. The most common causes of iron deficiency are blood loss, a lack of iron in the diet, an inability to absorb iron and pregnancy.
Maize
Maize, an older term for corn, is a plant that humans developed from a wild grass native to Central America called Teosinte. Like most grains, maize is relatively low in iron when compared to other food sources. According to an article published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in November 1999, maize is also high in phytates, which inhibit iron absorption. Although iron can be added to foods to help prevent iron deficiency and anemia, corn contains a large amount of fatty acids that can interact negatively with the added iron.
Iron, Maize and Diet
When you eat maize as part of a balanced diet that contains other iron sources, iron deficiency is unlikely. Good sources of iron include red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits and eggs. You will absorb more iron from meat than any other food source. Vegetarians must be more careful about ensuring they are eating iron-rich plant foods in the correct amounts. Eating foods rich in vitamin C with iron-containing foods helps you absorb iron.
Iron Supplements
Iron is also available in supplement form. You are likely to absorb iron better if you can take the supplements on an empty stomach with a glass of orange juice or vitamin C supplement. Iron can upset the stomach, so if necessary supplements can be taken with meals. Iron supplements can cause constipation, which can usually be managed by increasing your intake of fluids and taking a stool softener if necessary. Iron supplements may also turn your stools black.
Considerations and Warnings
Iron deficiency can cause serious medical problems in people of all ages. Use iron supplements only if you have been diagnosed with iron deficiency. Consult a health care professional for questions or concerns.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Iron deficiency anemia; March 4, 2011
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Iron and Iron Deficiency; February 2011
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Iron Absorption From Ferrous Bisglycinate And Ferric Trisglycinate In Whole Maize Is Regulated By Iron Status; A.C. Bovell-Benjamin, et.al.; November 1999
- NativeTech.org; Native American History Of Corn; 2011
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