Serum iron. Iron in the blood, normal, what does the change in indicators indicate? Serum iron: normal, causes of deviations from the norm How to reduce serum iron in the blood

Content

If you have insufficient iron intake from food or big loss of this microelement in humans develops Iron-deficiency anemia. This deviation is especially often diagnosed in infants and pregnant women. Iron is important for the body because it is involved in the transport of oxygen. A deficiency, as well as an excess of this microelement, negatively affects many body functions. The person begins to experience severe fatigue, malaise, and rapid heartbeat. With such symptoms, the doctor prescribes a test for serum iron.

What is a blood test for iron?

Most of the iron (Ferrum or ferrum) in the body is contained in red blood cells - erythrocytes, and specifically, their component - hemoglobin. Not a large number of also include tissue and plasma - in the form of complex compounds with the protein transferrin and as part of hemosiderin and ferritin. Over the course of a day, the level of iron in the blood changes significantly. In general, it performs the following functions:

• activates the work of respiratory pigments that transport oxygen;
• participates in hemoglobin synthesis and oxidative cellular reactions;
• provides normal work hematopoietic processes;
• participates in the binding and transfer of oxygen, retains it in red blood cells.

With a lack of iron, the process of hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport throughout the body is disrupted. The consequence of this is oxygen deficiency - hypoxia. An excess of this microelement is less common, but also poses a threat to human health. To determine iron levels and deviations from the norm, a biochemical test for iron is prescribed.

Indications

A common indication for a blood test for iron is a suspicion of an increase or decrease in iron levels. This happens with some diseases, which the doctor needs to confirm. Venous blood is taken for examination. The ferrum concentration is determined by the color intensity of the solution, which directly depends on the amount of this microelement. This blood test for iron is considered one of the most accurate. Indications for its implementation are:

• suspected iron deficiency anemia;
• differential diagnosis of anemia;
• vitamin deficiency or hypovitaminosis;
• monitoring the effectiveness of anemia treatment;
• poisoning with iron tablets;
• disorders of the gastrointestinal tract that interfere with the normal absorption of iron;
• bleeding of various etiologies;
• identification in general analysis blood for iron abnormalities relative to red blood cells and hematocrit;
• inflammatory processes, acute infectious diseases;
• diagnosis of hemochromatosis (hereditary pathology in which iron metabolism is impaired).

How to prepare

In order for the research result to be more accurate, it is necessary to properly prepare for the analysis. Blood is donated on an empty stomach in the morning - from about 8 to 10 o'clock, since this is the time when the maximum concentration of ferrum occurs.

• Iron supplements should be discontinued 6 days before the procedure. For the same period, you need to exclude fatty and fried foods from your diet. Preparation involves following a few more rules:
• one day before the procedure, avoid smoking and alcoholic beverages;
• take your last meal 8–9 hours before the test (only clean water is allowed before the test);
• a couple of days before the procedure, stop using oral contraceptives;
• do not undergo fluorography and radiography before analysis; limit a couple of days before the analysis;
• physical activity

Get a good night's sleep before the procedure and avoid emotional stress.

How to get tested The procedure is carried out in a laboratory setting. In the morning, around 8–10 o’clock, the patient needs to come to the clinic. The specialist will take venous blood from the ulnar vein using a disposable syringe. Before starting, the puncture site is disinfected with medical alcohol, then blood is taken from a vein. The entire procedure takes about 1.5 minutes, and the process is almost painless. Biological material

serum is used for analysis. This means that the specialist places the blood taken into a test tube that has never been used or come into contact with detergents.

Decoding A qualified specialist who carries out the procedure in a laboratory setting is responsible for decoding. The whole process takes about 3 hours. Since iron levels change throughout the day, the norm is not specific numbers, but ranges of values. The differences are associated with the physiological monthly blood loss during menstruation, which is characteristic only of the fairer sex. There are three options for analysis results:

• If the iron level is within the specified intervals, this indicates normal electrolyte balance.
• When the amount of ferrum is lower normal values, doctors diagnose iron deficiency (anemia).
• If the iron norm is biochemical analysis blood level is exceeded - experts note an excess of this element in the body.

When interpreting the results, the doctor takes into account not only the obtained values, but also a number of other factors, such as nutrition, menstrual cycle, taking some medicines. Before and during menstruation, women experience increased iron levels. For this reason, they are recommended to get tested after the end of menstruation. Sometimes the patient experiences fluctuations in ferrum levels: they are associated with a sharp increase in the patient's meat consumption. The level of this microelement is also affected by drugs, such as:

• acetylsalicylic acid;
• Methotrexate;
• oral contraceptives;
• antibiotics;
• preparations with estrogens;
• Metformin;
• Asparaginase;
• Cortisol;
• Cholestyramine;
• testosterone preparations.

Normal blood iron level

The level of this element depends not only on gender, but also on age. For each age category, doctors have determined their own norm of serum iron in the blood. In newborns, a decrease in ferrum volume occurs within several hours after birth. As you grow older, its level gradually increases. Specific norms of iron in the blood of women and men, taking into account age, are reflected in the table:

Low iron levels in the blood

The main signs of iron deficiency are symptoms of anemia. These include headaches, spots before the eyes, dry and pale skin. From external signs Brittle nails and hair loss are also noted. On early stage the symptoms are not too pronounced. Over time, when ferrum reserves are completely depleted, a person begins to feel weak, migraine and dizzy.

• At the next stage of anemia, other signs appear:
• chest pain;
• unusual taste preferences (desire to eat chalk or clay);
• weakness in the legs;
• dyspnea;
• lack of appetite;

muscle hypotonia.

The main cause of iron deficiency is insufficient intake of ferrum from food, i.e. nutritional iron deficiency. This happens when you comply strict diet, malnutrition. Iron deficiency is typical for vegetarians, since iron from meat is more easily absorbed by the body compared to vegetable iron. The same is observed in children under 2 years of age and adolescents during puberty. Their iron deficiency is caused by rapid growth, which requires high flow rate microelements. In addition to nutrition and age, the reasons for the lack of this microelement include:

• Iron-deficiency anemia;
• excessive physical activity;
• chronic renal failure, cholestasis, nephrotic syndrome;
• heavy menstruation;
• hepatitis, liver cirrhosis;
• hypothyroidism;
• thrombocytopenia;
• chronic fatigue;
• gastritis with reduced secretory ability;
• enterocolitis, enteritis;
• neoplasms in the stomach and intestines;
• bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, including due to tumors;
• third trimester of pregnancy;
• uterine bleeding;
• long-term infections;
• blood loss during surgical interventions;
• breastfeeding period;
• anorexia;
• menopause;
• osteomyelitis, rheumatism;
• myocardial infarction.

With normal hemoglobin

Ferrum deficiency normal level hemoglobin indicates hidden (latent) iron deficiency. It is due to the fact that at an early stage of a lack of this microelement, the body strains its own enzyme systems and removes it from its own reserves. For this reason, other blood parameters remain normal, the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin does not decrease - only the total iron-binding capacity of the serum changes. All this is explained by the fact that ferrum is present in the body in 3 types:

• cellular - as part of hemoglobin;
• extracellular – in the form of plasma free microelements, transport proteins;
• in the form of reserves - hemosyridin, ferritin.

Hemoglobin affects only the level of cellular ferrum, but a decrease in the amount of extracellular iron at the beginning occurs without anemia. Hemoglobin decreases, but only over time. This is diagnosed after latent iron deficiency, due to the complete depletion of its reserves, is transformed into iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency with normal hemoglobin noted in the following cases:

• in violation of mineral metabolism;
• after hemodialysis, forced diuresis;
• after procedures related to stimulation of defecation or urination.

How to increase

Severe anemia is treated for six months or longer, more light form– for 2 months. The vast majority of patients are prescribed iron-containing drugs, but in addition to taking them, the person must follow a special diet. Since iron deficiency is often associated with dietary errors, the first thing you need to do is review your menu. The diet must include foods containing the maximum amount of this element:

• buckwheat;
• liver;
• pistachios;
• spinach;
• lentils;
• oatmeal;
• corn;
• cashew nuts;
• dogwood;
• broccoli;
• seaweed;
• beef;
• dried apricots;
• chicken;
• beet;
• apples;
• fish;
• legumes;
• chicken yolk;
• pumpkin seeds;
• dried mushrooms.

Must be consumed daily protein products, since protein is involved in the construction of hemoglobin, which subsequently participates in enriching the body with oxygen. To enhance the absorption of ferrum in the intestines, it is necessary to introduce ascorbic acid (vitamin C) into the diet - it is found in citrus fruits and sauerkraut. During pregnancy, iron deficiency is caused by a lack of folic acid. In this case, women are prescribed it in the form of medications, although it is also found in foods such as cabbage and kefir.

The second way to combat iron deficiency is to take iron-containing medications. If absorption of drugs from the gastrointestinal tract cannot occur, then the patient is prescribed parenteral forms of these drugs. They are administered intravenously or intramuscularly when there is a critical decrease in hemoglobin or ferrum. In the first case, a test dose is first administered, which will help exclude adverse reactions. Injection procedures are often combined with blood transfusions. Injections are produced mainly on the basis of ferric iron:

• Ferbitol;
• Ferkoven;
• Ferrum Lek.

They are administered intramuscularly, since with intravenous infusion there is a high risk of developing allergies. Drugs are administered diluted saline solution at a rate of 50 mg/min. Every week 2 injections are given. The average dosage for an adult is 100 mg per administration. The course of treatment lasts 2–3 weeks. Indications for intravenous administration There are also diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that reduce the absorption of iron.

Using oral forms of iron-containing medications, the patient should receive 20–30 mg of the missing nutrient per day. For this purpose, drugs are used based on:

• Ferrous iron. They are considered obsolete, but have a lower cost. Appointed when increased acidity stomach, since hydrochloric acid interferes with the absorption of trivalent ferrum. Examples of this group of drugs are ferric sulfate, gluconate and ferric chloride. The effect of treatment with them is noticeable already on the 10th–12th day of the course of therapy.
• Ferric iron. They are chosen mainly for initial stage iron deficiency therapy. These drugs have high efficiency and do not require strict intervals between meals and pills. The downside is that their bioavailability is lower compared to divalent ones. Examples of preparations based on ferric iron are Ferrocene, Ferrum lek, Maltofer.

Increased iron levels in the blood

A condition in which the level of ferrum in the blood is elevated is more rare compared to iron deficiency. An excess of this element is diagnosed when its intake into the body exceeds its consumption and excretion. The critical value is considered to be 30.4 µmol/l. If this number is exceeded, the patient is diagnosed with an excess of ferrum. This is possible with some diseases and an overdose of iron-containing drugs. Symptoms of this deviation are:

• pain and swelling of the joints;
• loss of appetite;
• arthritis;
• nausea, vomiting, heartburn;
• constipation or diarrhea;
• hair loss;
• muscle soreness;
• decreased libido.

muscle hypotonia.

Less dangerous cause An excess of this microelement is an overdose of iron-containing drugs. In this case, they are canceled, after which the iron level should return to normal within a couple of days. Overdose occurs when consuming up to 200 mg of ferrum per day. Causes of excess include some diseases and special cases:

• hemochromatosis;
• different types of anemia (hemolytic, aplastic, sideroblastic, hypoplastic)
• hemosiderosis;
• thalassemia;
• premenstrual period;
• frequent blood transfusions;
• viral and acute hepatitis;
• iron metabolism disorders;
• acute liver necrosis;
• chronic cholecystitis;
• hepatopathy.

How to reduce

Unlike the treatment of iron deficiency, to reduce ferrum levels it is necessary to eliminate foods with high ferrum content, which were listed above. These are meat, beans, mushrooms, seafood, apples, pears, etc. You should also avoid drugs that improve the absorption of this element in the intestines. This applies to vitamins B and C, folic acid. From medications The following help lower ferrum levels:

• heptapeptides;
• hepatoprotectors;
• zinc preparations;
• complexing agents.

Iron-binding drugs, such as Thetacine calcium, Deferoxamine, Desferal, can also be used. Except medicines, carry out special procedures:

• Phlebotomy is periodic bloodletting. About 350 ml of blood is taken from a person every week.
• Hirudotherapy. This is a treatment with leeches that feed on human blood. Due to this process, iron levels decrease. This is due to the fact that the blood loses hemoglobin.
• Donor blood transfusion. This type of donation is also called exchange donation. It involves taking blood from the bloodstream and simultaneously infusing donor blood.

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Macro- and microelements are necessary for the human body; they participate in all processes of its life. Today we'll talk about hardware. Without this element, which is involved in the processes of hematopoiesis, the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells, it will be impossible to supply tissues and organs with oxygen. Iron deficiency contributes to the development of serious illnesses. But today I would like to consider the other side of this issue: what will happen if there is an excess of iron? Let's find out what this can lead to and what are the reasons higher level iron in the blood.

The normal content and role of iron in human blood

Our body does not produce iron; it comes from food. The absorption process occurs in the liver, and then from there the element enters the bloodstream with the help of the transferrin protein. Iron is an essential component in the synthesis of hemoglobin, the protein that makes up red blood cells. And, as everyone knows, it is red blood cells that supply all organs with oxygen. Without oxygen, cells quickly die.

Another important function of iron is its participation in the synthesis of the myoglobin protein. This protein is contained in muscle tissue, helping it contract, and also, together with other elements, participates in metabolic processes. For normal functioning thyroid gland Iron is also needed. Without iron, the process of cholesterol metabolism is impossible. Another important function of this element is strengthening immune defense body.

Iron content in the body of men and women

To provide the body with them, a person must consume 25 mg of iron daily with food. The iron content in the blood of men and women is not the same, this is due to genetic characteristics. The normal levels of iron in the blood are as follows:

Increased iron levels in the blood - what does this mean?

The maximum level of this mineral in the blood healthy person- 5 g. Significantly exceeding this norm can lead to unpleasant and sometimes disastrous consequences for the body.

It should be noted that iron is the strongest oxidant. It combines with free radicals. And this leads to rapid aging of the entire organism and its cells. The oxidation process of iron with oxygen leads to the formation free radicals that contribute to the occurrence of cancer. What are the reasons for increased iron in the blood in women? For example, according to statistics, women who were diagnosed with breast cancer had iron levels much higher than normal.

In men, iron accumulates much faster in the body, causing them to develop various heart diseases, several times increasing the risk of a heart attack in men. at a young age. After menopause, when women stop losing blood every month, they also increase their iron accumulation, which increases their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Removing iron from the body

It should be noted that iron, unlike most other macronutrients, is not excreted naturally from the body. Thus, all the iron that is not used by the body in the process of life and not removed from it (i.e., no more than 1 mg per day) begins to accumulate in it. A decrease in its amount can occur during any blood loss or during fasting, when due to the lack of external intake necessary substances The body has to use its own reserves to function.

Causes and significance of elevated iron levels

As you already understand, increased iron levels in the blood can lead to unpleasant consequences. If, however, your tests show similar results, you should identify the cause of the increase and try to reduce the level. Let's try to understand the reasons that can lead to an increase in the content of this element in the blood. As practice has shown, it leads to similar results uncontrolled reception multivitamins and preparations containing iron. But there are also diseases that can also lead to similar results.

Diseases that lead to excess iron

Such diseases include:

From the above, we can conclude that an increase in iron in the blood can be a symptom of a rather severe pathology.

Symptoms of increased iron levels in the human body

Besides common symptoms ailments and diseases accompanied by an increase in iron in the blood are characterized by specific symptoms:

• Delayed puberty in adolescents.
• Fatigue, weakness, drowsiness.
• Bradycardia (in an adult this is 60-70 beats per minute).
• Liver, enlarged and painful on palpation.
• Pigmentation on the skin.
• Joint pain.
• Active weight loss without increasing physical activity and diets.
• Weakening and hair loss.
• Increased blood sugar levels.

If you notice such symptoms, you should immediately contact a specialist and take a blood test for increased iron. The day before the test, you should exclude alcohol, fried and fatty foods from your diet. You cannot use medications. If taken, the analysis should be carried out no earlier than one and a half weeks after the end of treatment.

What to do if your iron level is high?

While you wait for the test results, review your diet and limit foods containing iron. Consult other specialists to rule out liver and heart disease. Should check hormonal background, since some hormones can also lead to an increase in iron in the blood. It is necessary to give up alcohol, especially if you have a history of liver cirrhosis.

Interaction with toxic substances should be stopped even if they are related to professional activities.

Iron utensils should not be used for cooking. It is necessary to test water from the local water supply for iron content and, if its content is high, limit the use of this water. If iron levels continue to rise, it may be due to lung infections such as lupus. Control tests are submitted at least once a month. Following these steps will help you maintain your health. We examined the main reasons for the increase in iron in the blood.

Treatment

Bringing iron levels in the blood back to normal should start with your diet. You need to know that calcium contributes to the deterioration of iron absorption. Foods containing iron, as well as B vitamins and vitamin C should be excluded from the diet.

In case of iron intoxication due to taking iron-containing drugs more than 30 mg/kg, gastric and intestinal lavage is performed. Therapeutic bloodletting is also prescribed, when half a liter of blood is released to the patient once a month.

The course of treatment should be repeated after four months.

To avoid the development of anemia in a patient with for preventive purposes Deferoxamine is prescribed - 20-30 mg/kg per day. Has also been synthesized synthetic hormone, which does not have hormonal activity, but promotes the rapid removal of iron from the body. If the disease is accompanied by one of the types of anemia, separate treatment with pyridoxine in combination with ascorbic acid is prescribed.

Thus, from this article we learned what an increase in iron in the blood can lead to.

The level of iron in the blood of women is an indicator that reflects how efficiently mature blood cells are formed. If the test result is not normal, this indicates insufficient or excess oxygen supply to the cells. That is why it is necessary to monitor the amount of iron in the blood.

Attention! Men and women have different normal levels.

When is a blood test prescribed for iron levels in the body?

You can find out the amount of iron in the blood using biochemical research. It is performed on patients for diagnosis:

• anemia and elucidation of its etiology;
• disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• infectious diseases, both acute and chronic;
• lack of vitamins in the body;
• as well as to monitor the effectiveness of prescribed therapy.

Features of biochemical research

It is taken from a vein in the morning on an empty stomach. Moreover, you should stop eating food 12 hours before. Acceptable clean drinking water, both at night and in the morning.

Important! 14 days before blood sampling, you must stop taking iron supplements.

The day before the test, you should avoid heavy physical activity and alcohol consumption. As for the menu, there are no special requirements, the only thing is to limit spicy and fatty dishes.

Iron indicators

The level of iron in the blood varies for different categories population and age:

• children under 2 years old – 7-18 µmol/l;
• from 2 years to 14 years – 9-22 µmol/l;
• in the adult male population – 11-31 µmol/l;
• The level of iron in the blood of women is 9-30 µmol/l.

The highest level of this chemical element observed in the blood of newborns. In the first days of life, the indicators are 17.9-44.8 µmol/l. With age, the levels gradually decrease and by 12 months they are 17.6-17.9 µmol/l. For each person, the indicator depends on the characteristics of the body. Greatest influence influences weight, height, hemoglobin level and the presence of diseases. Not the last place is given to the diet.

Increased level

• Elevated levels may indicate pathological reactions. These include:
• anemia of various etiologies;
• taking medications containing iron for more than 60 days;
• cases when the gastrointestinal tract needs to absorb large amounts of iron;
• diseases of the hepatolienal system;
• hemosiderosis caused by multiple transfusions of blood and its components;
• a change in hematopoietic processes in the bone marrow associated with the introduction of this chemical element into the cells from which red blood cells are subsequently formed.

Reduced content

Due to the fact that the body cannot synthesize this element on its own, great importance is attached to the amount of iron supplied with food. As a rule, a low level of an element in the blood indicates poor nutrition of a person.

Iron excess and deficiency - symptoms

Attention! Low iron levels can be associated not only with a changed diet, but also with diseases that occur in acute and chronic forms.

So, a reduced level is observed in the following conditions:

• inadequate intake ascorbic acid with food;
• consumption of foods that cannot fully replenish iron reserves in the body (dairy diet, vegetarianism);
• a certain period of life (pregnancy and lactation, adolescence);
• active process of hematopoiesis, as a result of which a large amount of this chemical element is consumed;
• a disease of the gastrointestinal tract that was not treated in a timely manner, for example, cancer, enterocolitis;
• prolonged bleeding;
• inflammatory and purulent-septic processes;
• Large amounts of iron may be excreted in the urine;
• excessive content of pigment consisting of iron oxide in various tissues;
• pathological processes associated with poor kidney function.

Iron content in the body during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes significant changes. In particular, the need for chemical elements is increasing. A sufficient supply of iron is especially important, since it is responsible for the transfer of oxygen to the fetus. Insufficient oxygen supply leads to pathological conditions in the child.

During pregnancy, a woman may experience functional iron deficiency anemia. Its symptoms:

• feeling of constant lack of sleep and fatigue;
• low blood pressure;
• change in taste;
• pallor of the skin.

If a woman comes to a specialist with these symptoms, the first thing to start with is to confirm or rule out pregnancy. This will help in the timely detection of fetal hypoxia.

Important! The level of iron in the blood for women varies during pregnancy.

Combating low iron levels

According to experts, conditions associated with excess iron in the body are not as common as conditions leading to low level of this chemical element. This is especially popular among people over 40 years of age. If iron levels in the blood differ from the norm, it is necessary to identify pathological conditions that lead to this, and pay attention to your food culture. Products that help improve performance:

• legumes;
• pomegranate juice;
• red meat;
• beet;
• buckwheat;
• turkey;
• grape;
• liver.

Some folk recipes allow you to increase your iron levels in a short time.

1. Take a mixture of walnuts and buckwheat. I grind all this, pour it with honey and use it in the morning and before bed.
2. Raisin, walnuts and dried apricots are crushed using a blender. Then the resulting mixture is poured with honey. It is recommended to consume the resulting product 3 times a day, one tablespoon.

Sources of iron

Don't forget about medications that increase iron levels in the blood. Before use, you must visit a specialist and pass everything necessary tests. The doctor will prescribe adequate therapy in accordance with the identified pathological condition.

Preventive measures

To timely prevent the development of iron deficiency in the body, certain rules should be followed. Namely:

• control the food you eat. Each person's menu should include a variety of ingredients. This is necessary in order to avoid both excess and deficiency of micro- and macroelements;
• pathological conditions must be detected in a timely manner, and therapy must begin immediately after diagnosis. This will prevent the occurrence concomitant diseases and transition to a chronic course of the underlying pathology;
• constant supervision by a therapist. Especially after the age of 45, as a structural restructuring of the body occurs.

Iron is an important element due to which all body systems function. It is especially important to monitor the level of this chemical element during pregnancy and in newborns.

Attention! To avoid iron deficiency in the body, you should see a doctor, take blood tests and adhere to a balanced diet.

Serum iron is considered one of the important elements of human blood. It takes part in tissue respiration and is aimed at binding, transporting and enriching the body with oxygen. Therefore, it is very important to monitor and undergo periodic blood tests for serum iron.

Serum shows how saturated the body is with iron.

The human body contains about 5 grams of iron. It is known that this element plays a large role in the life of the body. Iron is found in the proteins and myeloenzymes myeloperoxidase and catalase, as well as cytochrome oxidase.

Thus, the protein hemoglobin contains 80% iron, and the muscle protein myoglobin 5%. About 25% of iron is in the form of hemosiderin and iron, which are not used by the body and are stored in hematopoietic organs(spleen, liver, bone marrow).

The importance of iron in the human body is very high. It is involved in cholesterol metabolism, blood and DNA production, redox reactions and the construction immune system. Therefore, it is very important to know your indicators. To do this, they test for serum iron.

How to replenish iron

Iron enters the body with food. Moreover, animal origin contains more iron than plant origin. The product is a record holder for the content of well-absorbed iron - beef liver and kidneys, as well as eggs and fish. In addition, there is a lot of it in buckwheat, beans, and bread.

In the presence of vitamin C, which is found in vegetables and herbs, the best absorption of this element occurs. To do this, nutritionists advise eating meat in combination with vegetables. Of the total mass of iron that enters the intestines, approximately 15% is absorbed. Absorption of serum iron occurs in the duodenum and small intestine, then this microelement enters the blood vessels through the mucous membrane. Therefore, if there is a malfunction digestive system A decrease in iron levels is often observed.

The amount may also depend on the supply of unused iron in the liver, spleen and bone marrow. The amount of synthesis and destruction of hemoglobin in the body also plays an important role. Iron loss is facilitated by its removal from the body through human waste products, such as urine, sweat, feces, as well as hair and nails.

Norm

The amount of serum iron changes throughout the day. High value Iron levels decrease in the morning throughout the day. There are significant differences in the amount of this microelement in men and women, and it is also influenced by lifestyle, stress, and fatigue.

What is the norm for a blood test for serum iron?

In men, the normal level of serum iron is considered to be 12–29 µmol/liter, in women 9–27 µmol/liter, iron level in children is determined to be 9–22 µmol/liter, in infants 7–18 µmol/liter.

Only this level of serum iron in a man can ensure the normal functioning of the entire body. The differences in the readings of men and women are due to what happens in women. The amount of iron decreases in old age.

In this case, it is necessary to remind what level a blood test for serum iron shows during pregnancy. In the second half of pregnancy, iron levels invariably decrease. This is due to active formation and development of fetal organs. The average values ​​of this microelement are 10–30 µmol/liter.

First, to determine serum iron, the ratio of certain substances is used. Next, if there are prescriptions, a procedure is carried out to determine the level of serum iron. To monitor the effectiveness of anemia treatment, iron levels are determined, which is shown by a blood test for serum iron.

This test is often prescribed in case of gastrointestinal dysfunction, if there is a suspicion of iron poisoning. Blood is drawn in the morning on an empty stomach. Blood is drawn from a vein. It should be within 8 hours after your last meal. And you can only drink water, avoid consuming tea, juice and coffee. 30 minutes before the start of the blood sampling procedure, you should avoid physical activity and don't smoke.

In addition, you need to stop taking vitamin preparations a few days before the analysis. The analysis must be approached very responsibly. Results may be affected by taking iron tablets, alcohol or aspirin, and other drugs that can interfere with serum iron levels.

Downgrade

If blood tests show decreased performance serum iron compared to the norm, we can talk about anemia and other diseases. Conduct differential diagnosis. - the most common disease. It may be asymptomatic or cause severe complications in the functioning of the body. This is a manifestation of severe headaches, shortness of breath, tachycardia, and a feeling of numbness.

Symptoms of anemia are accompanied by drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, general malaise, tinnitus,. With severe anemia, there is a change in taste, an increase in temperature, the appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth, dryness and flaking of the skin, weakening and brittleness of nails and hair. There are three degrees of anemia.

Many factors can lead to the disease anemia. First of all, these are various chronic diseases, such as tuberculosis, endocarditis, Crohn's disease and others. Secondly, anemia is often associated with insufficient intake of iron into the body and poor absorption of it, as well as with large blood losses (surgeries, injuries, heavy menstruation).

Also, uterine fibroids, and the occurrence of intestinal reactions and kidney failure have a negative effect. The deficiency or excess of serum iron can only be determined by testing serum iron.

Hemochromatosis

Elevated levels of serum iron in the blood are less common. But, at the same time, it also refers to the severe pathology of hemochromatosis, which can lead to oncological diseases digestive tract. Symptoms of hemochromatosis are similar to the development of hepatitis.

There is a decrease in body weight, the skin becomes yellowish, the liver becomes larger than normal normal sizes. Excess iron accumulates in the hematopoietic organs and disrupts their coordinated functioning. This can subsequently lead to the development of Alzheimer's disease.

An increase in serum iron levels can occur due to several reasons. This is a pathology that changes the composition of hemoglobin, called thalassemia, hereditary disease when iron from food is absorbed in large quantities.

Frequent blood transfusions, hepatitis, glomerulonephritis and unsystematic use of iron-containing medications also lead to an increase in iron.

Serum iron - what is it? It is a fairly important microelement for the body. It performs connecting and transport functions. This means that iron has an exceptional ability to bind free oxygen and transmit it to all systems and organs. This microelement is also involved in the vital processes of tissue respiration, which means that without it the normal functioning of the body is impossible.

What is serum iron

The doctor will tell you what blood iron is and what its normal level is before the test. Average normal content iron in blood serum is 5 grams. It is practically impossible to detect it in its pure form.

But iron is contained:

• in hemoglobin;
• in catalase;
• it is also contained in cytochromes.

About a quarter of the iron in the body is not used at all. That is why it is called reserve. Why is it necessary?

This iron is located in certain depots, which include:

• spleen;
• Bone marrow;
• liver.

Bound iron in the blood, through which tissues are saturated with oxygen, is mostly present in enzymes. This substance is integral factor for redox reactions occurring in organs. Without it, the immune system, hematopoietic system and collagen synthesis will not function fully.

The most reliable way for iron to enter the body is through nutrition. It is food that can provide all the necessary microelements. The highest concentration of enzyme is in meat. Especially if it's beef.

But iron is also found in other foods:

• fish;
• liver;
• eggs;
• legumes;
• buckwheat grain.

In order for iron in the blood to be maximally absorbed by the body, it should be consumed together with foods that contain large amounts of vitamin C. Most of it is found in greens and products of plant origin.

Iron is absorbed primarily in duodenum. That is why, if it is found in the blood low content serum iron, then you can immediately suspect intestinal pathology.

The amount of iron is regulated by the level of hemoglobin breakdown and the concentration of iron in storage organs.

The normal level of iron in the body, the reasons for a decrease in its level

The norm of serum iron in the blood is considered to be from 11 to 30 mmol per 1 liter of blood serum. Its quantity will be within such limits if people do not have any chronic diseases if they have normal hemoglobin levels. Of course, nutrition is also of great importance.

If the diet consists of foods rich in iron, then its content in the blood will be maintained at a normal level. That's why doctors always recommend sticking to a comprehensive, nutritious diet.

If the test results revealed a decrease in the level of serum iron in the blood, then you should think about a deficiency of this microelement in the body.

This condition can occur due to a number of specific reasons:

• the food consumption schedule is disrupted - insufficient amounts of iron and vitamins enter the body;
• iron deficiency anemia, which occurs after large blood loss or hematopoietic dysfunction;
• dysfunction of iron absorption processes directly in the gastrointestinal tract ( gastrointestinal tract), the cause of which is most likely pathologies in the intestines or stomach - most often this includes gastroenteritis and gastritis;
• cancer diseases, especially malignant tumors, localized in the intestines;
• renal failure of an acute or chronic nature;
• the presence of an increased concentration of protein in the urine.

Reasons for increasing serum iron levels in the blood

The increase in iron in the blood is due to such pathological changes in the functioning of the body, such as:

• anemia, which is associated primarily with insufficient formation of red blood cells;
• hemolytic anemia, which is manifested by excessively rapid breakdown of red blood cells and a rapid deterioration in the patient’s well-being;
• poor genetic inheritance;
• increased amount of hemosiderin, which can be observed with frequent subcutaneous hemorrhages;
• lack of folic acid or vitamin B12 in the body;
• necrotic liver lesions, which often include necrosis and hepatitis.

However, the main reason for the increase in serum iron in the blood is considered to be its excessively rapid entry into the plasma or its poor absorption by tissues.

Based on this, iron is one of the most important indicators blood, and a deviation of its level from the norm may indicate the presence of some developing pathological processes in the body.

This is especially true for such bodies as:

• intestines;
• liver;
• spleen;
• red bone marrow.

After all, these organs are the most important in the production and utilization of iron in the human body.

Other reasons for changes in iron levels and ways to normalize them

Daily nutrition and its systematic schedule play a big role in determining what iron content will be in the body.

That is why it is necessary to ensure that the diet consists of foods that are rich in necessary for the body elements. That is, every day a person should eat meat, preferably beef. It is best to combine it with herbs and fresh vegetables. Baked beef also goes well with citrus fruits. This combination is also useful, since citrus fruits contain the necessary amount of vitamin C, and this element promotes better absorption of iron.

If any pathological processes are present in the body, this immediately affects the level of iron in the blood. A lot depends on the number of red blood cells in the serum.

If their numbers are insufficient, then a person’s hemoglobin will be low:

• At reduced level hemoglobin, the iron contained in the blood - accordingly - also becomes quite low. This condition manifests itself especially clearly during pregnancy. Therefore, women expecting the baby need to have a blood test every month to monitor the level of hemoglobin and iron in the blood. After all, not only your well-being depends on this expectant mother, but also the nutrition of the fetus, which takes all the microelements and oxygen it needs through the placenta. And with a lack of hemoglobin, the baby immediately feels a lack of oxygen, which can lead to disastrous consequences.
• The level of iron in the blood is immediately disrupted if a person has liver pathologies. It is in this body that it is deposited bound iron, if there are any disturbances in the functioning of the organ, then the iron level immediately changes in one direction or another. To identify pathology, the patient is given an analysis that determines the iron level.
• Anemic conditions can lead to irreparable consequences. In this case, the red bone marrow, which is also responsible for the iron content in the blood, suffers the most. Therefore, in any anemic condition, it is immediately necessary to exclude the malignancy of the pathology development process using a special analysis, because this may be associated with a deficiency of some cellular structures blood, which can only be corrected surgically, namely, a bone marrow transplant.

If the level of iron in the blood differs from the results of the analysis, then you should immediately seek advice from a specialist. It is the doctor who will be able to determine the cause of this condition and prescribe all the necessary additional research in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Only after making a final diagnosis, according to the results shown by the analysis, will it be possible to prescribe the most correct and adequate treatment. Remember, self-medication can lead to disastrous results.