How to prepare for an iron blood test? What can affect performance? What does a blood test for serum iron show? Low iron in the blood causes

One of the important elements, without which harmonious functioning is impossible human body, is serum iron. It, like the transferrin protein associated with the microelement, is involved in oxygen transport, cell division and tissue respiration. The rate of iron in the blood is determined through a special analysis. It allows you to find out or confirm the presence pathological processes in the body.

Briefly about the important

The concentration of iron in the blood and the norm - what is it? A similar question arises after passing the appropriate blood tests for hemoglobin. The latter is a protein, without which oxygen delivery to all human cells is impossible. Iron is an essential trace element. It is contained in the human body in an amount of three to four grams. Hemoglobin contains iron along with other components. Iron in the blood serum is not in a free state. The protein with which the microelement enters into a complex is called transferrin.

The ability of the latter to bind free iron is diagnosed using a special test, which will be designated in the direction as OZHSS. The material for its implementation is serum. The iron-binding capacity of plasma reflects the content of the trace element that is carried by the blood. It is used in research various violations health. Iron (about 95%) is constantly updating itself. This is manifested in the fact that an element from the old blood bodies The male has the ability to return to young erythrocytes.

Replenishment of the element in the serum occurs along with the intake of appropriate products. The need for iron is directly related to age category, gender and general health. It is higher in women than in men.

Particular attention should be paid to the content of iron in the blood during pregnancy, since in the process of carrying a child, the needs for all microelements increase significantly and often the analysis shows a low result.

The need for constant replenishment of iron from the outside is associated with the tasks that this element performs. These include:

involvement in the structure of hemoglobin;
involvement in cellular respiration by activating the activity of respiratory pigments;
involvement in the transport of oxygen;
maintenance of various processes of hematopoiesis.

When is a biochemical study ordered?

Biochemical analysis for the concentration of iron and hemoglobin is prescribed by different specialists to confirm the alleged diagnosis. The amount of iron in the blood depends on various factors. In order to obtain the correct indicators of OZHSS, you need to take an analysis on an empty stomach in the morning. In a biochemical blood test for serum iron, there is a need in the following situations:

in case of suspected poisoning with products or preparations with an increased iron content;
for the purpose of diagnosing anemia, for which purpose OZhSS is prescribed;
to diagnose infection various shapes and nature;
in the presence of a prolonged inflammatory process in the body;
to confirm the diagnosis of hypo- or beriberi;
in organ pathology gastrointestinal tract;
in violation of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract;
in order to control the effectiveness of prescribed drugs.

An iron blood test (IBSS) can reflect high or low level trace element. This indicator is indicated in the results of the study, helps to confirm the alleged diagnosis and start timely treatment the disease that has arisen. You can take a blood test for serum iron in the blood in any laboratory equipped for such an examination. The doctor, knowing the special designation of all trace elements, makes a diagnosis.

Proper preparation for the study

The doctor explains how to properly prepare for the iron content test when issuing the appropriate referral. Analysis for the content of the element is given in the morning, before the first meal. There may be some changes in the blood test.

What is the correct delivery of an analysis for the content of iron in the blood is:

exclusion on the eve of alcoholic beverages;
significant restriction of fried and fatty foods in the diet;
limitation of physical activity;
exclusion oral contraceptives;
abstinence from smoking the day before;
observance of a break of 8 hours between the last meal and blood donation;
refusal to conduct radiography and fluorography the day before;
exclusion of physiotherapy.

Normal performance

Serum iron in plasma is in combination with a protein called transferrin. It binds the microelement and participates in its transportation. As a rule, an examination is prescribed for a reduced hemoglobin content. It can be shown by the result of any study in which blood is taken for a general analysis.

The level of serum iron in the blood varies slightly throughout the day. At the same time, it is different for different age periods. Today, doctors use the following standards:

Ideally, in an adult, the result should vary between 20 and 30 µmol/L.

The level of iron in the blood depends on individual characteristics: height, weight category, health specifics. It should be remembered that a blood test for iron must be taken, adhering to certain rules. This will allow you to get reliable results. Biochemistry, handed over with violations, will lead to the need for a second examination. Decoding of the study should be carried out by a doctor.

Increasing the content of the trace element

Blood iron tests are sometimes too high. This will be revealed in the study of OZHSS. Such cases are caused by the following reasons:

With excess iron intake. This is possible with the saturation of the microelement of the food consumed; long-term use of drugs containing iron; frequent transfusions of biological material.
With violations of metabolic processes in which iron is involved. A blood test for ferritin is mandatory. This pathology includes hemochromatosis, when the excretion of an element from the body is impaired; different kinds anemia; Wilson-Konovalov's disease, in which metabolic processes copper, necessary for the formation of hemoglobin.
Liver diseases, when the destruction of organ cells contributes to the entry of a microelement into the blood (hepatitis, heart disease).

Decreased trace element content

The level of iron in the blood as a result of the influence of certain factors can be reduced. Low result, reasons. Reduced micronutrient replenishment. It's possible:

with constant frequent blood donation;
in the presence of chronic bleeding;
with a tendency to various diets;
during fasting;
when carrying a child;
with increased growth in children during adolescence;
during the recovery period after surgery;
if necessary, continuous hemodialysis.

Pathology of the process of digestion and absorption of iron in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The following reasons contribute to this:

surgical intervention;
gastritis in chronic stage leaks;
Crohn's disease;
flaw ascorbic acid in accepted products, which shows the analysis of the diet;
the presence of colitis.

The process of redistribution, when the indicators of iron also change when passing the test for OZHSS. This is typical:

for inflammation of various forms;
for availability cancerous tumors when transferrin is elevated and serum iron is reduced;
for autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis);
at infectious processes bacterial etiology.

The process of violation of transportation, when iron is contained in the blood in small quantities. Reasons for these situations include:

congenital features in the development of atransferrinemia, in which a study is prescribed for transferrin, OZHSS;
the impossibility of transferrin to join with iron;
lack of transferrin in renal pathologies.

In the blood, the level of iron is indicative general state patient. Its optimal amount is important for maintaining health and prevention. various diseases. Due to various circumstances, the norm of serum iron in the blood can be exceeded or reduced. Identification of the deviation of indicators is necessary for diagnosing the resulting violations of the body.

By itself, the analysis of serum iron carries little information, although it may be a signal for a more detailed check.

In contact with

Iron is one of the important components of the blood, which is considered an important component and takes part in the process of hematopoiesis. A sufficient supply of iron ensures the process of binding and transporting oxygen during the movement of blood through the vessels.

To diagnose the concentration of iron, a biochemical study is prescribed. venous blood. In the event that the norm of iron in the blood serum is diagnosed, then this indicates the absence of any pathologies in a person.

Iron is a trace element that enters the body from food and is transferred using a special protein - transferrin. Active iron is involved in the production of such important blood elements as. In addition, it is a constituent element that ensures the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to various organs and tissues. Iron is present in the composition of the muscle protein myoglobin and various.

iron plays important role in normal operation body:

takes an active part in the work of the hematopoietic system
ensures the normal functioning of cells
regulates immunobiological processes and redox reactions

The rate of iron in the human body ensures the maintenance of the normal condition of the skin, and also helps to avoid severe overwork of the body, increased sleepiness and depression.

It is possible to single out the most important features that iron performs in the human body:

provides normal breathing tissues, since it catalyzes metabolic processes with oxygen
maintains the necessary level of systemic and cellular metabolism
is a constituent element of many enzymatic systems and protein, including
has a destructive effect on peroxidation products
maintains normal functioning
raises protective functions human body

Insufficient concentration of iron in the body or its excess is determined using. Such an amount of iron in the body can pose a serious threat to the human body, and especially if it is chronic.

Indications for analysis

To determine the level of iron in the blood, a venous blood test is performed, and the analysis is prescribed in the following cases:

if there are suspicions of poisoning the human body with products containing iron, as well as to determine deviations in the patient's diet
to identify different types
with insufficient content of vitamins in the human body, as well as with their excess
in case of problems with functioning
to identify infectious diseases occurring in acute and chronic form
to confirm the effectiveness of the treatment

Medical practice shows that the highest iron content is determined precisely in the morning, therefore, in order to obtain accurate results, it is recommended to conduct it during this period.

It is important to perform blood sampling for research, and it is also necessary to stop eating 8-12 hours before the procedure.

A biochemical blood test is carried out using a colorimetric method, which is considered quite simple to use and helps to determine the exact level of iron in the blood serum.

The norm of the element in the blood

Iron concentration is determined by several factors:

patient's age

The norm of iron in the human body can be:

in children under two years of age, the level of iron is 7-18 µmol / l
in children from 2 to 14 years old, the content of this element reaches 9-22 µmol / l
in men, iron levels can range from 11 to 31 µmol/l
in women, the norm of iron is 8.9-30.4 µmol / l

Low iron content or its increased concentration can signal the development in the human body various pathologies and deviations. With an insufficient content of such an element in the blood serum, the patient may develop the following symptoms:

severe fatigue
permanent depression
feeling of weakness in the body
disruption of the immune system
patient refuses food
disrupted work
skin become dry and pale

In the event that a person has an insufficient iron content for a long time, which causes the development of such pathological condition, how .

AT childhood the result of insufficient intake of iron in the body is a violation of their growth, as well as problems in development.

A negative effect on the human body and an increased concentration of iron in the patient's blood for a long time. Content a large number such an element leads to the fact that it begins to gradually accumulate in various organs and tissues. In this case, it is no longer able to regulate the exchange of iron in the blood and the result of this is the appearance of problems with the functioning internal organs and systems.

With the progression of such a pathological condition for a long time, the following diseases may develop:

oncology

Causes of low iron content

Avitaminosis, depression, anemia - signs reduced level iron in the blood

The main reason for insufficient intake of iron in the human body is an unbalanced diet, as well as vegetarianism. Largest part of such an element enters the human body along with meat and fish, and only 5-6% is accounted for herbal products. In order for iron to be successfully absorbed by the human body, it is necessary that the food be enriched various proteins and vitamins.

Among internal causes, which cause the development of a deficiency of such important element, the following can be distinguished:

intensive growth with parallel depletion of the microelement content in the bone marrow
progression in the stomach and intestines of bleeding ulcers
low acidity of the stomach
development of a chronic inflammatory process in
period and breastfeeding
physiological blood loss

You can learn more about the blood test for iron levels in the video.

The result of iron deficiency can be a violation of the supply of oxygen to the cells of the body, which causes:

the development of a pathological condition such as iron deficiency anemia
increased body fatigue
disruption of the immune system, which provokes the development of many different diseases of an infectious nature
pathological transformations of tissues and organs

In addition, insufficient iron content in the human body causes a decrease blood pressure, and also causes frequent dizziness and heart palpitations. To eliminate this pathological condition and restore the required level of iron, specialized ferropreparations and diet therapy are used.

High levels of iron in the blood

In case it showed increased content such a microelement in the blood serum, this may indicate the development in the human body the following pathologies and deviations:

progression of viral acute and chronic nature
jade development
the appearance of problems with the removal of iron from the body
leukemia diagnosis
poisoning the body with a substance such as lead
inadequate intake of B vitamins and folic acid

Besides, elevated level iron in can be observed with the constant use of estrogen and oral contraceptive pills.

An organization is appointed to restore the level of iron proper nutrition, the use of drugs with iron and various food additives. In addition, it is recommended to use B vitamins and ascorbic acid, which ensures the normal absorption of iron in the human body.

Iron is chemical element, contained in a significant volume in blood cells, while it is a component of hemoglobin, participating in the oxygen process of blood movement.

Erythrocytes, moving through the cells of the human body, carry out the process of replacing harmful carbon dioxide with oxygen, which ensures harmonious development and functioning of all internal organs.

The most important indicator characterizing the effectiveness of the process of the necessary formation of blood bodies in a woman's body is the component of the iron norm.

The need for the desired content of this element in the blood of the weak half of humanity is determined by the monthly loss of a certain amount of it during menstruation.

A blood test will allow you to determine the percentage of useful metal and take timely measures in case of its shortage or excess.

On average, the rate of iron in the blood for women is 3 g or 35 mg per kg, however, the criteria for the volume of its content also depend on the age of the ladies.

Deficiency of this element in the blood can cause anemia, disrupt immune system, cause mental development problems, cause nervousness, drops intracranial pressure and also cause skin irritation.

Attention! If it is exceeded, there may be inflammatory processes internal organs and, in particular, the renal system, as well as the onset of leukemia.

The rate of iron in the blood for women differs depending on age.

The calculation of the norm of hemoglobin, consisting of iron and protein, in the blood of a woman is determined in a special way and is expressed in grams per 1 liter of blood.

Wherein average positive healthy woman should be within the normal range of 120 to 140 g per liter.

At menstrual cycles a decrease in the indicator to 110 g per liter is considered normal. At a young age, the norm is from 115 to 135 g per liter. blood.

Under the age of 40

Until the age of twelve, the content of hemoglobin in the blood does not depend on the sex of the child, and only when puberty, and also the beginning of menstruation in girls, it goes down.

After that, as the system responsible for hematopoiesis develops, the level of hemoglobin in the blood gradually increases, reaching its stability, characteristic of a woman's age from 18 to 40 years.

Wherein the norm is an indicator from 117 to 155 g / l.

Under the age of 60

After the expiration of 40 years, the woman's body changes dramatically, which is characterized by the passive work of the hormonal function of the ovaries, its extinction, as well as a decrease in metabolic processes.

Often these circumstances lead to an increase in body weight, while the activity of the hematopoietic function decreases.

The level of hemoglobin in the blood begins to decrease, often falling outside the norm, which is an indicator from 112 to 152 g / l.

This problem affects women who neglect protein foods at a specified age, because they are on a diet, in connection with the desire to lose weight.

After 60 years

In the age period in the body of a woman, the aging process is actively going on, in connection with which there is a loss of fluid by tissues, in particular, there is less liquid blood.

With its thickening, the level of hemoglobin in the female blood rises, in the absence of diseases associated with oncology and anemia. The norm is an indicator from 114 to 160 g / l.

During pregnancy

A special condition of a woman, called pregnancy, is accompanied by an increase in the load on the female body, which is caused by an increase in the need for essential trace elements.

Iron is necessary for a better supply of oxygen to the unborn child, which is the key to its harmonious development.

In a pregnant woman, iron deficiency anemia is manifested by the following symptoms:

increased fatigue and a feeling of weakness;
violation of the taste range;
decreased blood pressure and significant pallor of the skin.

Note! Doctors recommend that if girls show similar symptoms, they should immediately contact a doctor to establish possible pregnancy, in order to take the necessary measures aimed at preventing oxygen deficiency for the fetus, which can cause both premature birth and the manifestation pathological diseases The child has.

The norm for pregnant women is from 110 to 140 g / l.

Causes of violation of the norm of iron in the body of a woman

The reasons for which the norm of iron in the blood for a woman does not meet the established criteria include its lack, due to increased consumption, as well as insufficient intake of the metal into the body.

Against, a deviation from the established norm is also an excess of this element, due to the possible impact of a number of external factors that affect the increase in hemoglobin levels.

Iron deficiency in the body: symptoms in women

For this painful condition, as a result of which the necessary norm of iron is violated in the blood of a woman, the following symptoms are inherent:

Reasons for a decrease in hemoglobin include:

Excess iron in the body: symptoms in women

Given disease state dangerous by the formation of blood clots, the deterioration of the natural movement of oxygen within the body.

Blood thinning drugs are prescribed, the consumption of foods containing a significant percentage of iron is minimized.

It is necessary to identify the cause of the increase in hemoglobin, and then take immediate measures to eliminate it.

The factors that provoke high level hemoglobin content are:

What are the dangers of excess and lack of iron in the body

A significant increase in hemoglobin in a woman's blood is a dangerous problem for her body.

The blood becomes viscous, which is accompanied by rapid fatigue and insomnia, increased pressure, the appearance of spots on the skin, loss of appetite, heavy and prolonged periods, and malfunctions in the genitourinary system.

The lack of trace elements of iron in the body of a woman also poses a danger to him. because it is directly related to reduced content hemoglobin in her blood, which in medicine is called anemia.

Anemia associated with iron deficiency in the body (anemia) is quite dangerous, because it is accompanied by a significant decrease in immunity.

Appearance adult woman, in the condition under consideration worsens, the hair on the head becomes brittle, the nails are brittle, and the skin is pale.

Blood test for iron: how to prepare for it

The rate of iron in the blood for a woman should be constantly monitored therefore, it is necessary to conduct a timely study, which is a special procedure carried out in the laboratory and determining the number of indicators contained in the blood.

The procedure is carried out as prescribed by the doctor, both during a general examination of the body, for preventive purposes, and in case of suspicion of specific diseases.

The medical criteria that prompt this analysis are:

acute and chronic infections;
suspicion of iron deficiency in the body;
various inflammations in the body;
the need for a differentiated diagnosis of anemia;
suspicion of a lack of vitamins, as well as their imbalance;
diseases of the stomach and intestines.

The indicated blood test is carried out in the morning and on an empty stomach.

Despite this, it is necessary to prepare for it in a few days, for which you should follow a number of simple rules:

For 5 days before the test, you need to limit yourself to taking medications containing iron;
For a week, you should limit the diet, in relation to fatty and fried foods;
Downgrade physical exercise on the body;
Avoid taking oral hormones;
At least 24 hours before the test, exclude tobacco and alcohol;
Food intake should be carried out 8-10 hours before the study;
Prior to analysis, do not conduct x-rays and fluorography;
Avoid physical therapy.

How to increase iron in the blood: foods rich in iron

Get rid of acute shortage iron in the body will help the correct and balanced intake of foods, the content of which is rich in these trace elements.

The considered products are divided into two groups: animal and vegetable origin.

Animal foods include:

meat dishes;
fish meals;
offal;
cream.

Co. vegetable food, respectively, are:

The third group should conditionally include such drinks as juices from:

drain;
tomatoes;
carrots;
beets.

The table below shows examples of some products with a fraction of mg of useful metal in them per 100 g.

Name	Amount mg/100 g
beans	72
Nuts from the forest	51
Oat flakes	45
Buckwheat grain	31
Pig liver	29,7
sea kale	16
berry blueberry	9

Flour products, strong coffee and tea, canned and calcium-containing products, vinegar and alcoholic beverages will slow down the increase in the blood for a woman's iron norm.

How to increase iron in the blood quickly

It is possible to raise the desired blood count quickly enough only with the help of special preparations.

When the components of the metal in the blood are lowered to the lowest possible limits, doctors, under constant supervision, carry out the necessary medical measures in a hospital, while using drugs containing synthetic iron compounds.

In addition to the above increase, You must adhere to the following rules for adjusting nutrition:

Drugs to increase iron in the blood: an overview of the most effective

The norm of iron in the blood for women is easily supported by many drugs that have proven themselves and are widely used.

"Ferrogradum"

The composition of the drug includes ferrous sulfate.

Indicated for use:

with the onset of iron deficiency anemia;
with a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood;
during periods of gestation by a woman of a child, as well as breastfeeding;
with Crohn's disease;
with diarrhea;
with enteritis.

With the aim of preventive measures take 325 mg/day, in the treatment of anemia, the indicated dose is doubled.

"Irovit"

It contains folic and ascorbic acids, components of iron and cyanocobalamin.

It is applied in such cases:

with iron deficiency;
with a lack of folic acid in the body;
with a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood;
during pregnancy;
for preventive purposes.

Adults are prescribed to take 1 tablet in the morning, afternoon and evening, children are prescribed individually in each case. The course of taking the drug is not more than 90 days.

"Heferol"

This medicine contains ferrous fumarate.

Indicated for use in the treatment of:

identifying similar symptoms to those described above;
hypermenorrhea;
polymenorrhea;
hematuria.

Adults take 1 tablet daily, children are given an individual dose. The course of treatment is from one and a half to two months.

It should be borne in mind that in the course of treatment, the general condition may worsen. This circumstance may be associated with a violation of the established daily dosages of medications, as well as individual intolerance to them by the body.

When similar situation, you should immediately notify the attending physician about it, in order to adjust the dose and type of the medicinal product.

Vitamins with iron for women

For preventive purposes, doctors prescribe vitamin complexes containing iron elements.

When taking them, the recommended dosages should be strictly observed in order to avoid side effects.

The advantage of these complexes is that their intake is twenty times higher than the absorption of food metal.

To increase the level of iron in the blood of a woman, it is necessary to choose vitamin complex, the concentration of iron in the composition of which will be able to fill the necessary need for it in the body.

The most effective and time-tested multivitamin complexes of this group include:

Why iron is not absorbed in a woman's body: reasons

The reasons for the poor assimilation of the element in question female body are an increase in calcium and phosphorus salts in it.

Excessive consumption of dairy products also interferes with the absorption of iron by the body, and therefore it is not recommended to eat foods that rich in iron washing it down with milk.

In addition to calcium, manganese and zinc affect the decrease in the degree of absorption of iron.

In fairness, it should be noted that in case of abuse of iron-rich foods, a similar effect will be observed in relation to the above elements, which is also negative, so it is necessary to strive for a harmonious balance in the consumption of products.

How to Take Iron for Better Absorption

To increase the level of iron in the blood of a woman, in order to bring it back to normal, it is necessary to observe a number of the following rules that contribute to achieving the best result:

Keeping your iron levels under control is the key to good health.

This video will acquaint you with the symptoms in cases of abnormal iron in the blood for women:

From this video you will learn which foods affect the state of iron in the blood and hemoglobin:

When is an analysis ordered?

Define the level of iron in the body is necessary for:

assessment of iron stores in the body;
determining the cause of anemia;
diagnosing the state of hemosiderosis in chronic blood transfusions;
if iron deficiency anemia is suspected after general analysis blood;
when taking medications that have iron in their composition to control treatment;
in the diagnosis of iron poisoning, as well as hereditary diseases in which iron accumulates in the internal organs (hemochromatosis).

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of iron overload include:

fast fatigue;
abdominal pain (in the liver area);
weight loss;
shortness of breath
impotence;
an increase in the size of the liver;
joint diseases.

If the reasons are harmless, then a person may not feel at all an increase in the amount of the element under discussion in the blood. Only an appropriate analysis will help to notice this.

Norm of iron in the blood

If we take absolute indicators, then in the body of a normal healthy person may contain up to 5 g of this mineral. However, everything is good in moderation. And if the indicated rate of iron content in the blood is exceeded, this can also have not very pleasant, and sometimes very serious consequences for the body.

Normal blood iron must be present:

Newborns - 7.16 - 17.8 µmol / l;
From 1 year to 14 years - 9 - 21.3 µmol / l;
Girls and women over 14 years old - 9.05-30.4 µmol / l;
Boys and men - 11.65 - 31.2 µmol / l.

The main functions of this trace element:

Providing the necessary structure of the protein molecule of erythrocyte hemoglobin to retain oxygen;
Participation in oxidative reactions in cells (helps to absorb oxygen).

The main functions of iron in the blood coincide with one of the main tasks of the blood itself and the hemoglobin contained in it. Blood (erythrocytes and hemoglobin) is taken from external environment oxygen into the lungs and transports it to the most remote corners human body, and the carbon dioxide formed as a result of tissue respiration is taken out for removal from the body.

Causes of high iron in the blood

Why is there increased iron in the blood, and what does it mean? Excess iron can indicate the course of various serious diseases in the body:

Excessive absorption in the gastrointestinal tract in violation of the limiting mechanism (hemochromatosis).
Nephritis. Kidney disease, in which the disposal of old elements from the blood is disrupted.
Liver damage (viral and any origin, acute liver necrosis, various hepatopathy).
Lead poisoning. With intoxication, the breakdown of red blood cells increases, and the functions of the organs involved in hematopoiesis are disrupted.
Iron poisoning. Occurs with excessive use of iron supplements.
Iron levels may also increase due to long-term use drugs, especially hormones and contraceptives.

Manifestation elevated iron There can be different types of anemia:

Hemolytic - autoimmune destruction of one's own red blood cells or under the influence of toxic toxic substances.
Anemia at impaired synthesis of porphyrin and heme- associated with a lack of enzymes in the bone marrow.
Aplastic - the process of building erythrocytes and other blood elements is disrupted under the influence of the application medicines(barbiturates, antibiotics, sulfonamides, cytostatics), acute infections, poisoning, x-ray exposure.
anemia associated with lack of vitamin B12- most often a consequence of surgery to remove part of the stomach with peptic ulcer, malignant tumor.

As you can see, there are a lot of diseases that can lead to increased iron in the blood. Therefore, this phenomenon, which is dangerous in itself, can be a really alarming symptom.

Iron in the human body is a necessary element, without which many processes and normal life are impossible. Doctors set the norm of iron in the blood. The human body contains 4 to 5 grams of iron. The blood contains 80% of this volume. The remaining 20% is distributed between the liver, spleen and bone marrow. Only 75% of iron is constantly used by human tissues, and the remaining 25% is a reserve that allows you to recover from blood loss and a temporary lack of the substance. In severe cases, when the reserve volume is used up, persistent iron deficiency is noted.

During a biochemical blood test, an indicator of serum iron is determined, which shows the most accurate level of a substance in the body. There are many reasons to get tested for serum iron. It is very important not to miss both the decrease and the increase in the level of iron in the blood.

Why is iron needed in the body?

The rate of iron in the body shows how much of this element a person needs to maintain many vital processes, which include:

hematopoiesis;

Intracellular exchange;

Oxygen transfer;

The formation of hemoglobin (with a lack of which iron deficiency anemia develops);

Formation of myoglobin;

maintenance correct operation thyroid gland;

Ensuring the full absorption of vitamin B;

Production of a number of enzymes (including those involved in the construction of DNA);

Ensuring the normal growth process in the child;

Maintaining a healthy immune system;

Neutralization of toxins in the liver;

Production of oxidative enzymes;

maintenance good condition hair, skin and nails.

Since this chemical element is involved in the main processes in the body, its deficiency is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences. Knowing that a condition such as impaired iron content in the blood can have an extremely negative impact on health, one must be attentive to one's well-being so as not to miss the first symptoms of pathology.

Routes of iron entry into the body

To maintain the norm of iron in the blood, its sufficient intake into the body is required. The main source of iron in the body is food. The maximum absorption of the element occurs if its consumption is combined with a dose of vitamin C, which is rich in greens such as parsley and dill.

The largest amount of iron available to humans contains following products presented in the table:

However, one should not overly lean on foods that contain a high content of the necessary substance, since an excess of iron in the body may form, which will not benefit in the same way as its deficiency, and measures will need to be taken to lower it.

Iron absorption in humans occurs in duodenum, because of which, with a deficiency of this element, the condition of the intestine is first checked.

Norm of iron in the blood

The international norm of serum iron in the blood has been adopted, which is used by all doctors to detect pathologies. Until the age of 14, serum iron in the blood has the same norms, but later its lower limit in an adult, depending on gender, turns out to be different. Normal for each age category is its own indicator of iron in the human body, the values are given in the table

The standards for how much iron should be are quite flexible due to the peculiarities of its perception by tissues. Also, certain products can increase the indicator to some extent.

Deviation from the norm, both up and down, is a pathology and requires therapy. Excess iron, due to the fact that with it there are risks serious illnesses turns out to be even more dangerous than a deficiency of it.

Fluctuations in the rate of iron in women deserve special attention, since for them during pregnancy this element is required in a larger volume. Their rate is increased by one and a half times.

Causes of low iron levels

Iron levels in a biochemical blood test can be low for a number of reasons. The main factors by which the indicator can be reduced, doctors consider:

Deficiency in the intake of iron from food;

Irregular nutrition - iron deficiency means that the body does not have time to replenish reserves without getting enough nutrients .;

An increase in the need for an element - takes place during the recovery period after serious illnesses, blood loss, as well as during pregnancy, when the body needs everything in an additional volume for the normal formation of the fetus;

Pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to the inability to absorb iron;

Crohn's disease;

Systemic lupus erythematosus - SLE;

Tuberculosis;

Malignant neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract;

Severe purulent-inflammatory diseases;

Osteomyelitis;

heart attack;

Rheumatism;

An excess of hemosiderin in tissues and internal organs;

Lack of production of erythropoietin by the kidneys in renal failure;

Excretion of large amounts of iron by the kidneys in nephrotic syndrome;

Oncological diseases;

Cirrhosis of the liver;

Deficiency of ascorbic acid in food.

In order to accurately establish the reasons why the level of iron in the blood is low, a passage is required. complete examination. The only exceptions are cases where iron deficiency is obvious, as in pregnancy, blood loss and malnutrition.

Symptoms of iron deficiency

A low level of a substance in the body has certain symptoms that should alert. The following manifestations indicate that there is not enough iron in the human body:

Increased fatigue;

Excessive irascibility;

Migrating pains in the body;

Tearfulness;

Change in taste;

Dry mucous membranes;

Belching;

drop in appetite;

Frequent constipation;

Some difficulty in swallowing food;

Stomach ache;

Pallor;

Developmental delay in children - not only physical, but also mental;

Decreased immunity;

Increased fragility of nails;

Change normal form spoon-shaped nails - the appearance of "watch glasses", or a symptom chronic hypoxia. It may also indicate chronic pulmonary insufficiency;

Decreased body temperature;

Strong "freezing";

Violation of the thyroid gland.

All these manifestations are direct indications in order to check the level of serum iron in the body. The doctor issues a referral for a biochemical blood test and, after receiving its results, determines the level of iron in the blood serum and whether there is a need for therapy. With a low iron content, a diet is necessarily prescribed and then a treatment is selected that will be optimal for a particular patient.

Causes of high iron in the body

An increased level of iron in the body is no less dangerous than a lower one. If the daily intake of a substance is too high, it can even lead to lethal outcome. deadly dangerous dose iron is considered a volume of 7 g and above. An increase in serum iron in the blood in humans is noted for the following reasons:

Excessive intake of a substance with food - may also appear when high content iron in water

Diseases of the pancreas;

Pathologies of the spleen - an organ from the reserve concentrated in it begins to release more of the element than necessary, which causes an excess of iron;

Pathologies of the liver - with them, an incorrect distribution of the substance occurs: its excess in the blood and lack in the organ;

Large blood transfusion;

Improper use of iron-containing preparations - in this case, a person receives too much iron, which leads to the fact that it becomes higher than normal. You should use iron-containing preparations only at the rate indicated by the doctor, and not prescribe them to yourself arbitrarily;

Chronic alcoholism - with it, the process of assimilation and excretion of substances from the body is disrupted, due to which iron in the blood rises;

Iron metabolism disorders;

Anemia associated with a deficiency in the formation of red blood cells;

Hemolytic anemia - in pathology, an excessively rapid destruction of erythrocytes is observed with the release of iron from them, which causes its significant increase;

Deficiency in the body of vitamin B12;

liver necrosis;

Hepatitis;

Poor absorption of the substance by tissues;

hereditary predisposition.

Increased iron in the blood certainly requires treatment - lowering the level to an acceptable norm. In cases where there is an increase in the level of iron in the blood, we can talk about the development serious illnesses, and therefore a person must certainly undergo an examination.

Manifestation of excess iron in the body

Elevated serum iron is always manifested by special symptoms, which should not be ignored and the violations should not be attributed to simple overwork. It is necessary to visit a doctor and check whether iron is normally present in the blood with the following phenomena:

Frequent headache;

Dizziness;

General loss of strength

Frequent nausea, up to vomiting;

Alternating diarrhea and constipation;

Pain in the stomach;

Weight loss;

Fall of immunity.

However, it must be emphasized that these symptoms do not always indicate that serum iron is elevated, but only in 90% of cases. Remaining 10% when cause feeling unwell is not an excess of iron, are associated with severe pathologies of internal organs, including oncology and systemic diseases.

Complications of increased iron in the blood

Increased iron content in the body increases the likelihood of developing a number of diseases. According to medical data, such a pathology can provoke the following diseases:

Atherosclerosis of vessels;

Diabetes;

Heart diseases;

Liver disease;

Infectious diseases;

Neoplasms;

These complications of the condition are also a reason not to ignore the increase in iron levels in the blood. If the problem is detected in time, in most cases it is solved effectively and the norm of iron content in the blood is restored.

How is the analysis going?

Exactly what it is - an analysis for a high or low iron level - can always be informed by a doctor. The study is carried out on the basis of material obtained from a vein. The analysis requires serum, and therefore the blood is passed through a centrifuge. Further, with the help of special reagents, iron in the serum is detected. Today, analysis is implemented in all medical institutions, so you can almost always check the iron indicator near the house. Iron is detected precisely from the blood serum.

How to prepare for analysis

In order for the value of the analysis to be accurate, it is necessary to properly prepare for it. Blood sampling is carried out from 8 to 11 am. Last move food can be no later than 8 hours before the delivery of the material. Drinking is allowed without restrictions, but only clean, non-carbonated water. 3 days before blood donation, it is required to give up alcohol and oral contraceptives, as they will distort normal performance, because they can lift iron.

Due to the fact that many drugs can interfere with the result of biochemistry, the doctor accurately instructs the person about which ones can be used and which cannot.

It is undesirable to take tests during menstruation, as the indicators will be with large errors due to the presence of bleeding. In such a situation, if possible, it is necessary to postpone the day of sampling, and if it is not possible, then the nurse must be informed so that she can indicate this on the test tube with the material. The importance of a blood test for iron levels cannot be underestimated.