Most of the iron in the human body is carried by a protein called hemoglobin, which is found in the red blood cells and used to transport oxygen to the tissues. It is also found in a protein called myoglobin, used to carry oxygen to the muscles,...
In order to store and transport dietary iron, your body binds the iron to a molecule called ferritin. Ferritin levels within your blood help clinicians estimate the total amount of iron in your body. Elevated ferritin levels in the blood often...
Major surgery imposes extraordinary demands on your body. Your underlying condition creates stresses that surpass those of normal daily living. Once you enter the hospital, your immune system is confronted by infectious organisms that you would...
Iron deficiency occurs when you have a low level of iron in your body. The deficiency occurs in several stages, ranging from iron depletion to iron deficiency anemia, which is characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells. The cure for iron...
Iron is an important element that is needed to make new red blood cells. However, an excess of iron in the body can cause iron to accumulate in various tissues, leading to damage. Iron overload disorders can be caused by certain genetic...
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes an abnormal form of a protein known as hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Thalassemia results in excessive destruction of red...
Iron is an essential mineral found in almost every living organism, and it is found in every cell of your body. Nutritionist Elson Haas states that 60 to 70 percent of your iron stores are contained in hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying...
Adult men should consume 8 mg of iron on a daily basis to keep their bodies functioning at an optimal level. Common sources of iron include iron-rich foods, such as beef, oatmeal, beans and spinach, and iron supplements. Health professionals with...
Thalassemia is a genetic disorder of hemoglobin production. Red blood cells contain the hemoglobin that delivers oxygen to your body cells. This includes muscle cells and bones. Thalassemia can involve either a problem with the alpha or beta...
Iron is an important mineral for human health, although excessively high iron levels can cause serious health problems. Your doctor can determine whether your blood levels of iron are too high by conducting a blood test, such as a serum iron test,...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hepatitis C is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the United States, with approximately 3.2 million people infected. Hepatitis can have serious complications, such as...
Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition that is caused by a low level of iron in the blood. This can be caused by poor iron absorption, iron deficiency or blood loss. Women with heavy menstrual cycles may experience iron deficiency regularly, due to...
Thalassemia, also called Mediterranean anemia, is a blood disorder. This disorder is typically inherited and means there are smaller amounts of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the body than normal, says the Mayo Clinic. Lower amounts of...
Excess iron in the body damages the organs and increases the patient's risk of liver disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart disease, osteoporosis, hormonal disorders and premature death, according to the Iron Disorders Institute. Iron overload...
Chelation therapy involves the use of specific chemical substances to remove unwanted metals from the bloodstream. Chelation is often a first-line treatment in cases of exposure to toxic levels of "heavy" metals including mercury, lead, iron,...
A cesarian-section is a method of giving birth through a surgical incision in the abdomen. There are many situations that call for a c-section, such as the baby being in distress, the baby appearing feet instead of head first (breech), if your...
Low iron levels often indicate iron deficiency anemia. If, during a routine blood test, your doctor discovers that your hemoglobin levels are under 13.5 g/dL for men or under 12 g/dL for women, he may want to treat you for anemia. A hemoglobin...
Iron is an essential element necessary for proper cell function and oxygen transportation throughout your body. It is also needed for proper digestion and enzyme synthesis. Since your body cannot make iron, you must obtain it from dietary...
When you eat foods that contain iron and that iron is absorbed into your bloodstream, it is used to make hemoglobin and new red blood cells. If you don't get enough iron in your diet, or if you lose too much iron through blood loss, you may...
In 2005, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) reported the national cesarean birth rate was the highest ever at 29.1 percent, reports the American Pregnancy Association. A c-section is a surgical procedure where an incision is made...
Part of chemotherapy for cancer patients involves taking medications either orally or intravenously. With few exceptions, these cytotoxic medications can have significant side effects. Fortunately, there are medications that can temper the effects...
You can live days without water and weeks without food. Lack of oxygen, however, kills within minutes. Hemoglobin is the vital protein in your red blood cells that transports oxygen from your lungs to your tissues. A low hemoglobin level...
A chelator is a molecule that binds to metal ions, and they're often used in chemistry and in industrial settings. In medicine, chelators are used to clear excess metals such as calcium from plaque or lead and other heavy metals, which can lead to...
An adequate amount of iron is necessary to help the body function properly. Iron helps in the transport of oxygen, cell growth, and the production of proteins and enzymes. However, too much iron in the body, or hemochromatosis, can be toxic and...
Anemia refers to low red blood cell counts; common symptoms of anemia include fatigue and pallor. It is divided into three types: microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic. Microcytic anemia means there are low numbers of red blood cells and they...
Microcytic anemia is a general term used to describe a medical condition characterized by smaller than normal red blood cells. There are several types of microcytic anemia, but iron-deficiency anemia is the most common. Iron-deficiency anemia...
Iron is a nutrient essential for your health. Your body uses iron to produce hemoglobin, a component in red blood cells that delivers oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a sometimes-chronic condition that is...
Many factors influence whether you will need iron therapy following a surgical procedure. Some surgeries notoriously cause more blood loss than others. In general, orthopedic procedures produce a lot of bleeding. If you've witnessed a birth or...
Giving blood is something that almost anyone over the age of 17 can do, provided they are in good health and weigh at least 110 lbs. Giving blood can be done for many reasons -- to contribute to research, to save a life or to help a friend or...
