Iron is a vital nutrient for several bodily functions. Apart from physical growth, this nutrient is also crucial for cognitive development.
But unfortunately, its deficiency among individuals becomes prevalent with each passing year. As per the reports, around 2.2 to 5 billion people are affected by this problem. A study shows that iron-deficient infants and adults often face cognitive development delays for myriad reasons, such as reduced myelin formation, variation in brain energy metabolism, and issues in neurotransmitter metabolism. The adults whose iron levels are not up to the mark take iron supplements to stay healthy.
In this article, we will look at the role of iron in neurodevelopment. Keep reading!
How Does Our Brain Get & Utilize Iron Iron?
Our brain needs significant amounts of iron to develop appropriately. Iron is crucial in several cellular processes like mitochondrial and neurotransmitter synthesis.
The dysregulated iron levels are harmful to neurological functions. It gets the iron from the bloodstream. Red blood cells in the blood are loaded with iron content, and when blood reaches our neuro system via transferrin receptors, they present on the brain microvasculature.
From transporting oxygen to neurotransmitter synthesis, the brain utilizes iron for a plethora of biological processes.
Iron Deficiency & Age
The trusted sources suggested that the impact of iron deficiency is non-reversible. Therefore, consuming iron-rich foods and iron supplements is essential for adults and kids. And what’s your age when you become iron deficient matters.
If infants and toddlers do not receive optimum amounts of iron suffer from anemia and biological abnormalities, low iron levels make them giddy and lethargic. Also, it can lead to many heart problems. But low iron content hardly affects the cognitive abilities of an adult.
The inadequate amount of iron in the body can lead to depression, anxiety, brain fog, and mental confusion.
Not just that, even if pregnant women do not receive sufficient iron, their chances are their babies will be born with cognitive disabilities. So, iron consumption is indispensable in every stage of life, especially during the early years of life ( childhood).
In severe cases, poor iron concentration can also result in Alzheimer’s disease. This disorder is related to memory loss. If you become a victim of Alzheimer’s, you start to forget even the little day-to-today events. For instance, you forget the book after putting it in the cupboard. This condition makes life pretty difficult for adults. But iron supplements can help to get back to everyday life.
Which Foods Cause Iron Deficiency And Leads To Cognitive Impairment In Adults?
- Foods Containing Tannins
Foods containing tanning alleviate iron content in the body. Tea and coffee are two of the most popular drinks in the world. They are both made by brewing plants containing tannins, a chemical compound that binds to iron and prevents it from being absorbed. Foods Containing Phytates
- FoodsLoaded With Phytates
Foods containing phytates, such as legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, also contain proteins that bind to iron and make it unavailable for absorption by the body. Tea and coffee also contain phytates, another compound that can bind to iron and prevent its absorption.
- Foods Containing Oxalic Acids
Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in certain foods and beverages. However, bacteria also produce it when individuals digest plants containing oxalic acid.
The researchers found that people who ate the most oxalic acid-containing foods had an increase in cognitive impairment compared with those who ate less than 1g per day because it affects iron levels in adults as well as children.
- High Fat Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk is a good calcium source but is also high in oxalic acid. This acid can affect the body’s ability to absorb iron, making it less effective at preventing anemia. It may also interfere with iron absorption if you take other medications to treat conditions such as anemia or chronic kidney disease.
If you want a good memory and a sharp brain, take a good quantity of iron daily. To know more about iron supplements for adults!
