Associated symptoms
In general, the symptoms are very unspecific, especially at the beginning of an iron deficiency, which is why the diagnosis is often not made immediately. A manifest iron deficiency leads to a drop in the red blood pigment haemoglobin. The skin and mucous membranes appear pale.
Hemoglobin is responsible for the transport of oxygen in the blood. If the oxygen content drops, this leads to increased tiredness and lack of concentration. The symptoms increase, especially under physical stress, when more oxygen is needed.
Here, dizziness and headaches due to iron deficiency often occur, and in severe cases even respiratory distress, increased heart rate (tachycardia) and fainting spells (syncope). Another unspecific symptom is increased hair loss. Iron is a component of various enzymes, which are important for the metabolism of hair, among other things. The hair becomes brittle and fragile. A disturbed digestion, loss of appetite and constipation can also indicate an iron deficiency.
Treatment of iron deficiency in vegetarians
The treatment depends strongly on the severity of the iron deficiency. At the beginning of an iron deficiency, when the symptoms are not yet very pronounced and the ferritin level is only slightly lower, a change in diet may be sufficient to remedy the iron deficiency in the long term. Vegetarians can eat foods such as pulses (peas, beans, lentils), cereals (especially wheat bran and oats), nuts and kernels or fruits such as dried apricots.
If the deficiency is already more advanced, treatment by mere dietary change is often very lengthy and not very promising. Here, dietary supplements can be used. Herbal products such as herbal blood or iron preparations in the form of tablets or capsules can be taken.
However, the duration of treatment here also takes several months. In very severe cases, with pronounced symptoms, iron can be administered by the doctor in the form of infusions.This is the fastest way to fill up the iron reservoirs. Only a small amount of iron is absorbed daily through the intestines.
If the iron is administered directly through the vein, it is directly available to the body. The diet for iron deficiency should above all be balanced, i.e. different sources of iron should be used. Vegetarians can choose from a variety of different foods, such as legumes like lentils and beans.
Nuts, kernels and grains such as wheat and rye are also a good source. In addition, a lot of fruit and vegetables should be consumed. Dried apricots, mangoes, spinach, other leafy vegetables, carrots and beet are particularly worthy of mention.
Although meat contains on average more iron and is better absorbed by the body, a vegetarian balanced diet can cover the daily requirements. Vitamin C (orange and lemon juice) can be taken with meals to support the absorption of iron. Coffee, black tea or cola should not be consumed with meals, as iron absorption is inhibited.
