Experts emphasized that iron has enormous health benefits, so its deficiency in the body should be urgently addressed through healthy nutrition, bearing in mind that iron supplements are only taken under the supervision of a physician to avoid the severe consequences that may ensue.
German Professor Georgia Metzgerot said that iron is of great importance to health, as it plays a pivotal role in building blood, contributes to nervous development, and participates in many metabolism processes.
She added that iron deficiency in the body is the most common type of undernutrition in the world, noting that it particularly attacks teenagers and girls of childbearing age and pregnant women.
In addition to improper nutrition, iron deficiency may be due to some diseases such as diseases associated with chronic bleeding such as gastritis, and poor absorption of iron caused by lack of production of digestive juices or taking certain medications.
Symptoms of iron deficiency are pallor of the face, dry skin, split ends and hair loss, split nails, cracked mouth angles, persistent fatigue, lack of focus, general weakness, and impaired body temperature.
For her part, German nutrition expert Ante Gahl pointed out that iron deficiency can be addressed through a healthy balanced diet, explaining that a man needs 10 milligrams of iron per day, while a woman needs 15 milligrams.
Iron-rich food sources are red meat, wheat products, spinach, lentils, and oat flakes, knowing that the body better absorbs iron from animal sources.
Gall cautioned against taking iron supplements without consulting a doctor, as this may increase the long-term risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.