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We often hear people say they are anemic, and the main reason for that is usually a lack of iron. What exactly is going on? Iron is a mineral that our body cannot produce; we obtain it through proper nutrition. Some may have large reserves of iron in their body, but that doesn't necessarily mean it will be utilized. Certain conditions must be met, which depend on a person's biochemical and genetic traits.

Without iron, we wouldn't be able to live. Sometimes we hear someone say they feel weak, constantly tired, lacking strength—both physically and mentally. In such cases, a general practitioner often recommends a blood test, which can easily determine whether the body is deficient in iron or if there is another cause.

The good news is that iron can be supplemented through medications as well as by consuming foods rich in this mineral.

Our body's ability to use iron ranges from two to ten percent. Let's now look at some factors that influence how much iron we utilize. First of all, it depends on whether the stomach is empty or full, the acidity of stomach acid, and even our blood type. For example, people with blood type A may utilize less iron than others. These are genetic and biochemical predispositions unique to each individual.

In addition to this, our diet plays a significant role. Large amounts of coffee and tea, whole grains, and calcium can negatively impact iron absorption.

When a person has chronic illnesses, they often take certain medications as part of regular therapy. Some medications have the property of reducing iron utilization, and it’s also important to consider the physiological state of the body. For example, fungal infections or rheumatic diseases can affect how iron is used and distributed throughout the blood and to all organs.

The average man has about 3.8 grams of iron, while the average woman has about 2.3 grams. About two-thirds of this iron flows through the bloodstream as hemoglobin, and it can also be found in muscle cells as myoglobin. The rest is stored in the bone marrow and liver as reserve iron.

It's important to keep in mind that iron is a strong oxidant and potentially harmful, so it is transported bound to proteins and stored carefully.

Iron's primary role is to supply oxygen to all the body's organs, including vital ones such as the heart, brain, and liver. Oxygen must also reach the muscles, thanks to iron, providing the energy we need during physical activities.

To determine your iron status, a blood test is required. Based on the parameters and reference values, the doctor will decide whether you need specific therapy. By following prescribed therapy and adopting dietary changes, iron deficiency can be successfully replenished, which also involves eliminating harmful habits from your lifestyle.