Iron Deficiency And Dates

Iron is a key element in the human body. It is a trace element but far outreaches other minerals in importance. Iron is a major component of RBC. It is present in the form of Haem in hemoglobin. The main function of Iron is to transport oxygen from the lung surface to the tissues where oxygen is used in various metabolic processes. Oxygen is basically used in the oxidation of glucose in the presence of different enzymes and catalysts to produce energy and CO2.

Iron is also very vital in the working of the immune system. It is also a very important component of enzymes. Iron is involved in the release of aldosterone hormone. Aldosterone is important to maintain the sodium and potassium levels in the body. It works with glucose, fructose and vitamins for maintaining various metabolic processes. Other function of Iron includes growth especially during adolescence and pregnancy.

Anemia can be of different etiology but here we limit ourselves to iron deficiency Anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can be defined as the iron deficiency with a hemoglobin level below 8.The causes of Iron deficiency anemia could be lack of balanced diet, vegetarianism, bleeding piles or bleeding gums, abnormal menstrual discharge, improper absorption of minerals in the gut, or serious ailments like Blood cancer. Anemia is usually seen among the economically weaker section of the society or the people in the lower rung of the society. The highest risk groups include- include adult females, adolescent females, fad dieters, and those who are obese. Premature and low birth weight infants are also at increased risk for iron deficiency. Hemoglobin is assessed by withdrawing blood usually from the veins to accurately determine Hb levels.

Young women are more prone to Anemia. The Iron reserves are continuously lost by the body due to menstrual cycle. Thus this loss of iron has to be replenished. Hence treatment of anemia is a continuous process and the Iron reserves always remain in a state of delicate equilibrium.

Iron deficiency is usually treated with oral Iron preparations. Inorganic preparations are wrought with danger since it causes severe GI disturbances and constipation. Therefore organic and natural sources of Iron are preferred over inorganic sources. Dates are rich in easily absorbable form of Iron. Dates supplementation can cure anemia and raise hemoglobin levels to normal. Dates are valuable as medicine for their tonic effect. Being easily digested, they are very useful for supplying energy and rejuvenate the body.

By: Stanley George

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

The Koran says that the date is a fruit blessed by the almighty Allah. Dates a very good supplement to replenish the lost iron reserves in anemia.