Pump That Iron!

Nearly two billion
people around the world suffer from iron deficiency, according to
estimates from the World Health Organization.

Given these statistics,
it is clear why this is arguably the most common type of nutritional
deficiency today. As a matter of fact, curbing iron deficiency is
deemed a critical global health priority second only to HIV/AIDS.

Without proper remedy,
iron deficiency may likely result in anemia specifically IDA
(iron deficiency anemia). Also known as sideropenic anemia, this is
iron deficiency in its advanced stage.

Generally, anemia is
caused by a lack hemoglobin (red blood cells), in the blood. When the
body has no adequate supply of iron, hemoglobin slows in production
thereby reducing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the blood. This
then causes fatigue, dizziness and decreased stamina. In severe
cases, anemia can lead to shortness of breath or worse, heart
problems.

It has been widely
reported by various academic journals and scholarly articles that IDA
is the most common form of anemia. The main issue with this type of
anemia is that human bodies take a long time to replenish iron: It
typically takes about 5-7 days for the body to start producing red
blood cells. This can result in an increase in hemoglobin levels
within 2-3 weeks of starting treatments with iron supplements, or
vitamin supplements.

Low iron levels may be
a precursor to other health problems such as malnutrition due to a
poor diet
characterized by a shortage of vital nutrients and minerals. A study
published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition titled
Prevalence
of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia among Three Populations
of Female Military Personnel in the US Arm, Dr.
James P. McClung and three other doctors have noted that although the
occurrence of iron deficiency is higher in third-world countries,
there is still a continued marked prevalence of it in the United
States, especially among young women.

They
have deduced that