IRON & ZINC DEFICIENCIES

Zinc and iron are essential for good health. Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system, growth, wound healing, reproduction, fertility and sense of taste and smell. The richest source of Zinc occurs in cooked oysters. Other sources of Zinc are Turkey, beef, crab, duck and chicken, cheese, milk, yogurt, beans, chickpeas, mushrooms and peas.

Iron is responsible for the formation of red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. Iron comes in two forms: nonheme and heme. The heme iron from animal sources is more readily used in your body than the nonheme in non-animal sources. Top sources of heme iron include poultry, eggs, beef, liver and seafood. These are also a good source of protein, which you need for normal growth and development. Plant sources include beans, pulses and green vegetables. Snack on dried fruits and nuts to increase your iron intake. Many foods are fortified with iron, such as rice, pasta, breakfast cereals and bread.

Causes of deficiencies

You may develop iron and zinc deficiencies if you have had intestinal surgery or a gastrointestinal disorder because your body cannot absorb these nutrients. Since meat provides a rich source of iron and zinc, vegetarians may also develop iron and zinc deficiencies. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says low iron levels can be caused by blood loss due to severe injuries, internal bleeding or surgery. Women with heavy and frequent menstrual periods are likely to develop iron deficiency. Children and pregnant women may also develop low iron levels because of the rapid body changes and high iron demands. On the other hand, people with sickle cell disease and alcoholics are likely to develop zinc deficiency.

Symptoms

Iron deficiency can lead to iron deficiency or anemia. It may cause fatigue and weakness because the body does not have enough red blood cells. Other symptoms are loss of appetite, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and dizziness. In infants and children, iron deficiency can lead to impaired growth and behavioral problems.

Zinc deficiency symptoms are loss of sense of taste, poor wound healing, frequent infections, hair loss, diarrhea and eye sores. It can also lead to impotence in men and delayed sexual development in teenagers.