The norm of iron in the blood (Fe, Iron)
To maintain vital activity, each cell needs oxygen. Its delivery is carried out by special blood cells, inside which the direct carrier is located - hemoglobin. The structure of this protein is quite complex, one of the key features is the presence of Fe ions in it, without which the protein completely loses its abilities and cannot perform the function of gas exchange. Thus, the main role of this macroelement is to participate in providing all organs and tissues with oxygen.
specialists
equipment
treatment
Iron levels in the blood
Increase is less common and is associated with:
- Hemolytic anemia (damage to the red blood cell membrane)
- Deficiency of folic acid, vitamins B6 and B12
- Genetic pathology of formed elements of red blood and small intestine
- Viral, toxic hepatitis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis
- Overdose of iron-containing drugs
There is no specific clinical picture of increased iron content, however, this condition is accompanied by pathologically high hemoglobin against the background of a decrease in the number of red blood cells, skin pigmentation disorders, pain in the upper abdomen.
Much more common is a lack of metal in the body, which indicates:
- Insufficient intake with food (the average person needs 10-15 mg per day)
- Frequent or chronic infections, especially of the gastrointestinal tract, hepatobiliary system
- Insufficient absorption in the small intestine
- Cirrhosis, severe hepatosis (the liver is unable to produce carrier proteins)
- Chronic bleeding (stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis, hemorrhoids, anal fissure)
- Malignant tumors (large, with decay, generalized, systemic, metastatic)
Concentration may decrease during pregnancy, although this is more of a physiological process than a pathology.
Symptoms of low levels are, first of all, anemia:
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Pale skin and mucous membranes
- Increased fatigue
In addition, deficiency leads to:
- Pathological changes in the immune system, which manifests itself in frequent infectious diseases
- Digestive and absorption disorders of many nutrients, including vitamins
- Deterioration of the health of the skin and mucous membranes (impairment of their barrier function)
- General growth and development delays
- Cognitive disorders
Measurement of Fe in biochemical analysis is mandatory if anemia is suspected (presence of symptoms, shifts in other studies). For the diagnosis of other conditions, iron should be determined in combination with additional methods.
This award is given to clinics with the highest ratings according to user ratings, a large number of requests from this site, and in the absence of critical violations.
This award is given to clinics with the highest ratings according to user ratings. It means that the place is known, loved, and definitely worth visiting.
The ProDoctors portal collected 500 thousand reviews, compiled a rating of doctors based on them and awarded the best. We are proud that our doctors are among those awarded.
Make an appointment at a convenient time on the nearest date
Price
Appointment to the doctor
Iron, types and measurements
The iron that is inside the red blood cells is not determined by standard biochemistry. There is also deposited (in the liver, spleen) and extracellular (serum).
Serum - is in the plasma and is divided into two fractions - free and protein-bound. Free is very toxic, so it is quickly removed from the bloodstream either in the direction of utilization, or binds to proteins.
Protein-bound is associated with transferrin, and it is this that is taken into account in biochemical analysis. Despite the fact that this fraction is relatively small compared to others, the level of protein-bound best reflects the exchange of the macroelement.
The activity of cellular respiration depends on many factors: body weight, height, age, physical and mental stress, metabolism. Accordingly, the body's oxygen requirement changes and the need for iron. Thus, for children under 1 year, the Iron norm is 7.2 – 18.0 μmol/l. For children under 14 years – from 9.0 to 21.5. For adults, the indicator depends on gender:
Men: 10.7 – 30.4
Women: 9.0 – 23.3