Iron deficiency and depression – what is the connection?

Iron deficiency and depression- Introduction:

Iron deficiency can affect the mind. In addition to a lack of concentration, iron deficiency anemia can also lead to depressive symptoms. By compensating for the lack of iron within the framework of a drug therapy, the depressive symptoms can recede and the mood can brighten up again. and test for iron deficiency

What is the context ?

Iron is involved in the production of various messenger substances in the brain, which, among other things, also influence mood. A particularly important hormone in this context is serotonin, also known as the happiness hormone. Serotonin, like the other hormones, depends on iron to be able to be produced by the organism.

If the body lacks iron or if the iron storage is too low, depressive moods can occur. These can include exhaustion, listlessness or sadness. If a depressive symptoms are present, those affected should have a blood count taken by a doctor, which shows the iron content of the body in values.

On the basis of the blood values, the doctor can determine whether there is an iron deficiency. If the iron content in the body is too low, it can be treated with special iron preparations. If the depressive symptoms are associated with iron deficiency, the symptoms may diminish over time through therapy.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is relatively simple. Blood is taken from the affected person and the values of the red blood cells and stored iron are determined. The red blood cells, also known as erythrocytes, are smaller when there is iron deficiency and the haemoglobin, the red dye, is found in lower concentrations.

In this context, the physician speaks of microcytic hypochromic anemia. The total number of red blood cells is also reduced. In order to determine the iron content, the iron storage protein ferritin is looked for in particular.

This protein is more sensitive than the iron value and is therefore used as a measure for the iron content. Ferritin is typically reduced in iron deficiency anemia. On the basis of the blood values with the above-mentioned changes, iron deficiency anemia can be diagnosed by the doctor.