Ferrochron®

Description

Iron is an essential microelement that plays a role in many metabolic processes, particularly those associated with transporting oxygen and regulating cell growth and differentiation. In fact, iron is involved in well over 100 metabolic processes. Because the body cannot produce iron, it must be obtained from food. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. Iron deficiency develops gradually; it begins with a negative iron balance when dietary intake is insufficient to meet the body’s daily needs.

When an iron deficiency exists, the oxygen supply to cells is reduced, which can lead to impaired physical performance accompanied by tiredness and a weakened immune system. Other typical signs of iron deficiency are paleness, dry skin, brittle fingernails and a tendency to become overweight. High-risk groups include women in general, children and pregnant women; an estimated 22 percent of women in industrialized countries are affected. Up to 47 percent of all school-age children worldwide also develop some form of anemia, 25 percent of whom suffer from iron-deficiency anemia, the most severe kind of iron deficiency.