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Evidence-Based Guidance Released by Researchers for Managing Iron Deficiency Better

Vitamins and minerals are needed by the body to be healthy and function. There are minerals such as calcium that cannot be produced in the body. That is why the selection of food should be made smartly to have a balanced diet. Supplements are also helpful to suffice the nutrients that are not produced by the body, and not enough of them are consumed from the diet. 

Iron is also one of the minerals needed by the body. In an article by the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), they mentioned that iron is vital for blood production. They also added that 70 percent of iron is found in the hemoglobin and muscle cells called myoglobin. They also stressed that 6 percent of body iron is a component of proteins, which is important for respiration, energy metabolism, and proper immune function. 

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Different institutions joined forces to have a review of the traditional iron deficiency response of different countries. In a report made by Medical Xpress, World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Anemia Detection and Control at WEHI leader, associate professor Sant- Rayn Pasricha said that being able to diagnose iron deficiency, understand, and manage the causes of Anemia, can give a boost to people's health from all age groups. 

In other words, iron is essential in the body; however, iron deficiency is rampant and has become a global concern. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention's (CDC) data shows that 2.8 million Americans who visited their physicians are diagnosed with iron deficiency or Anemia. Meanwhile, the American Society of Hematology said iron deficiency is widespread among women and people whose diets are deficient in iron. 

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Results of the study

Since different countries have different orientations and diets, Eureka Alert reported professor Pasricha said that their team discovered that treating iron deficiency must be anchored or tailored for each country. He added that iron deficiency patients are not getting the best care they need. Professor Pasricha mentioned an advancement of iron deficiency care as an example. He stresses that some people might benefit from intravenous iron, but patients are not usually offered this method even if it shows promising results in restoring iron levels rapidly. 

Cleveland Clinic, traditionally, patients are administered iron deficiency treatments depending on the cause. Usually, iron supplements are recommended by health experts to restore the iron levels. Professor Pasricha added in his statement, which was also published in Eureka Alert, said that knowing the cause of the iron deficiency is vital, rather than patients being instructed to consume iron supplements and indulge in foods rich in iron. He added in the article that if the cause is not treated, a serious health problem can be overlooked, or it can be fatal as the worst-case scenario. 

Medical Xpress added in their report that the researchers noted that their review provides clear guidelines in learning how to test for iron deficiency and the best approaches to treat iron deficiency worldwide. It is good news for humanity to have the iron deficiency response of healthcare providers worldwide be reviewed so that the number of iron-deficient patients can be lowered. 

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Dec 06, 2020 08:00 PM EST

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