Forgetfulness, hair loss, dizziness… All stem from the same cause.

Iron deficiency, the most common type of anemia worldwide, weakens the immune system and increases susceptibility to infections. Hematology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özlem Şahin Balçık, speaking about anemia, said, "Anemia is defined as a hemoglobin level in the blood below the normal range determined by age and gender. The most common type of anemia is iron deficiency anemia."

This is how iron deficiency manifests itself

Providing information about iron deficiency anemia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özlem Şahin Balçık stated that iron deficiency is a significant health problem affecting 35 percent of women and 20 percent of men. Noting that the rate of iron deficiency in pregnant women is as high as 50 percent, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Balçık said, "Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as iron, B12, and folic acid are also associated with conditions such as thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia), cancer, rheumatism, and kidney disease. Symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, excessive sleepiness, hair loss, nail disorders, itching, headaches, dizziness, learning disabilities, forgetfulness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and chest pain are observed in iron deficiency anemia."

The danger of weakening the immune system

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Balçık emphasized that iron deficiency anemia weakens the immune system, saying , "Iron deficiency anemia increases susceptibility to infections and prolongs the recovery process following infections. It is important for patients suffering from anemia to consult with their physicians regarding treatment."

WHICH FOOD IS THE RICHEST IN IRON?

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Balçık, who also offers advice on healthy eating, said, "Meat and meat products are rich in iron. Iron from animal foods is more easily absorbed from the stomach and is effective in raising blood values. Plant-based foods like legumes, spinach, and grapes also contain iron, but their absorption is lower than that of animal foods. Iron deficiency is more common in vegetarians and those who consume little meat. However, patients undergoing iron deficiency treatment, especially those with high blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) and those with cardiovascular disease, should limit their meat consumption to the diet recommended by their physicians."