Measuring iron stores, or ferritin, is now possible not only in a laboratory but also at home with a rapid test.
What can cause iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency can be caused by, for example, heavy menstrual bleeding, illnesses (such as celiac disease), intestinal tumors, surgeries, blood donations, accidents, and genetic factors. Iron loss over a lifetime also affects the deficiency.
Especially heavy menstrual bleeding, poor iron absorption from the intestine, and low iron intake from food, for example, due to dieting or an unbalanced vegetarian diet, increase the risk of iron deficiency.
Can iron absorption be influenced?
Iron deficiency can also be due to iron not being absorbed properly. Both the condition of the intestine and food components affect absorption. Calcium impairs iron absorption, and many medications also affect iron absorption. Vitamin C, for example, improves absorption.
If you want to speed up iron absorption, eat vitamin C-rich foods with iron and avoid calcium-rich products in the same meal.
Where can you get iron?
You can get iron from food, especially from: Organ meats Meat Fish Whole grains Soy, tofu, legumes Seeds, nuts.
How much iron should you get daily?
The daily recommended intake varies between 9 and 15 milligrams.
The iron requirement for men is 9 mg/day, and for women of childbearing age, it is 15 mg/day. After menopause, women's iron needs decrease.
Measuring ferritin, or stored iron, is now possible not only in the laboratory but also at home with a rapid test. A home ferritin test reveals whether your ferritin level is above or below the threshold of 30 µg/l.
Even if a home ferritin test shows that your ferritin level is sufficient, you should not rely on it, especially if you suffer from symptoms of iron deficiency.
The content of this publication is purely informative. It cannot in any situation assist or replace a doctor's diagnoses, treatments, or recommendations. In case of concerns, consult a trusted professional and ask for consent before starting any procedure.