Tired and listless? Iron deficiency could be the problem.
Iron deficiency is widespread in Germany and is one of the most common trace element deficiencies. The body needs iron for so many functions, such as…
- the supply of oxygen to the body
- the formation of blood
- as well as for the functionality of various enzymes and metabolic processes.
We usually only notice an iron deficiency when we suffer from fatigue and exhaustion.
Many doctors fail to diagnose iron deficiency because low ferritin levels are considered normal. However, individuals with HPU should aim for ferritin levels of at least 70 ng/ml.
Experience shows that HPU therapy is not as effective when iron levels are low as when iron stores are well replenished.
Why a low iron level inevitably leads to a disruption of the hormone glands
Iron deficiency leads to a blockage in the production of hormones in the endocrine glands. The production of cortisol in the adrenal glands requires, among other things, the iron-containing cytochrome P450 enzymes. If the body does not have enough iron available, these cytochrome P450 enzymes may no longer function properly. This can mimic adrenal insufficiency in the body, manifesting as fatigue.
The thyroid gland also suffers from the effects of iron deficiency: The lack of iron prevents the thyroid gland’s thyroid peroxidase from functioning properly. Consequently, the body cannot produce sufficient T3 from T4. Symptoms of a T3 deficiency include fatigue, exhaustion, and sensitivity to cold. Due to the severely impaired hormone production, this can lead to hypothyroidism.
As soon as the thyroid and adrenal glands stop functioning properly, our metabolism and consequently our basal metabolic rate slow down. We not only feel tired and lethargic, but also gain weight much more easily.
What to do in case of iron deficiency.
To increase our iron levels, we should eat more iron-rich foods. These include, for example:
- Meat (especially red meat and liver)
- Oat flakes (gluten-free)
- pumpkin seeds
- sesame
- Legumes
- linseed
- Pistachios
- Chanterelles
In general, the body absorbs iron of animal origin (heme iron) significantly better than plant-based iron. This is because non-heme iron (plant iron) is usually tightly bound in its trivalent form (Fe³⁺ ) . For the body to utilize this iron, it must first be converted into a soluble form and reduced to divalent iron (Fe²⁺ ) . Heme iron from animal sources is always in its divalent form and is therefore absorbed by the human body two to three times more efficiently via a specific absorption pathway in the intestine.
Consequently, vegetarians and vegans in particular are at risk of developing an iron deficiency, even though the iron content of plant-based foods is much higher than that of animal-based foods.
Optimize iron uptake
For iron absorption, both the bioavailability of iron and the body’s ability to absorb it play a crucial role. To increase this ability, vitamin C should be consumed with meals. Vitamin C effectively promotes iron absorption by converting plant-based trivalent iron into the more readily available divalent form. Vegans and vegetarians, in particular, can thus increase their iron intake two- to fourfold.
Iron supplementation is another way to improve iron levels. However, there is a significant drawback: iron supplements from the pharmacy often have relatively low bioavailability and are sometimes not well tolerated.
According to studies, iron bisglycinate has very good bioavailability and tolerability in humans. It should always be combined with vitamin C for better absorption.
Lactoferrin as an absorption booster
Free radicals (including iron) and inflammatory processes in the body cause the liver to produce a messenger substance called hepcidin. Hepcidin travels through the bloodstream to the intestinal wall, where it inhibits iron absorption by blocking ferroportin, the enzyme responsible for iron uptake. Consequently, the body can no longer absorb iron from the intestine. This process is intended to block pro-inflammatory and oxidative processes associated with iron. Therefore, iron deficiency can occur despite high iron intake through food or supplements.
The glycoprotein lactoferrin acts precisely at this point and has two important functions:
On the one hand, it can transport iron into the body via the lactoferrin receptor on the intestinal mucosa. On the other hand, it inhibits the inflammatory response in the body and lowers the concentration of interleukin-6 and hepcidin in the bloodstream. This keeps the iron pathway ferroportin open, thus improving iron absorption from food and supplements. Several studies already exist on the effects of lactoferrin in the context of iron deficiency (Paesano, 2010; Nappi, 2009; Rezk, 2015).
Do you have an iron deficiency?
Do you suspect you might be suffering from an iron deficiency? Have your doctor draw blood or use the convenient medivere self-test at home. Use the voucher code AP36312 to receive a 5% discount on all medivere tests.