12 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT IRON FOR THOSE WITH IBD

12 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT IRON FOR THOSE WITH IBD

  1.  Iron is needed in the red blood cells to carry oxygen to the brain and body.
  2. Iron is also needed for muscle function and for nerve signals to travel through the brain.
  3. Iron is absorbed better from meats than plants. As a result, vegetarians may need twice as much iron (or more) in their diets.
  4.  Those with IBD may need more iron if they have inflammation, diarrhea, bleeding, poor appetite or mostly eat iron-poor foods.
  5.  It takes weeks for iron to be incorporated into new red cells so blood tests may show signs of a low iron before symptoms show up.
  6. Tiredness often shows up as the first symptom of low iron.
  7. Iron is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies at all ages.
  8.  Iron deficiency is especially seen in women, because of menstrual blood loss.
  9.  Pregnancy greatly increases the iron needed for both the mother and her infant.
  10. Iron deficiency can be measured and should be monitored with blood tests
  11. Too much iron can cause liver and heart damage
  12. Intravenous (IV) iron can be given to patients who can't absorb it well.

This article, as well as all others, was reviewed and edited by a member of our Medical Advisory Board.

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