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According to new research, having higher natural iron levels could be both good and bad for cardiovascular health. In this article, we will study the functions and bodily effects of iron, as well as current research.
Iron functions in the body
Most of the iron in the body is in the hemoglobin of red blood cells and in the myoglobin of muscle cells. It is necessary for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide. However, he also has other important roles in the body. It can be found in foods such as meat, fish, tofu, beans, spinach, cereals and other foods.
The researchers suggest that their findings provide evidence of a "contrasting role" of higher levels on "different processes of thrombotic disease."
It is most often used to prevent and treat anemia caused by low levels of iron. It is also used to treat anemia caused by bleeding related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, kidney problems or heart failure. The minimum daily amount of iron required by an adult is 1.8 mg. About 10 to 30% of the iron you consume is absorbed and used by the body. Daily iron requirements can be achieved by taking iron supplements.
Read more: How can calcium in the coronary arteries predict heart disease?
"These studies reveal new lines of research and raise many questions: we still do not know how iron affects cholesterol levels, narrows arteries and forms blood clots, but we have ideas."
– MD Mag (@MDMagazine) July 18, 2019
Advantages and disadvantages of higher iron levels
On the one hand, this can reduce the risk of clogging the arteries, but on the other hand, it can increase the risk of blood clots formation related to a reduction in blood flow. These were the findings of a large study examining the relationship between natural iron levels and three measures of cardiovascular disease: carotid artery wall thickness, deep vein thrombosis, and carotid plaque.
Iron is needed to transport oxygen and carbon dioxide; However, he also has other important roles in the body. Iron can be found in foods like meat, fish, tofu, beans, spinach, cereals and other foods.
Vascular wall thickening and plaque buildup in the carotid artery are both signs of atherosclerosis. DVT occurs when a blood clot, or thrombus, forms in a deep vein. PST usually affects the leg. The researchers found that higher iron levels appeared to increase the risk of DVT while reducing the risk of carotid plaque.
There was "no significant effect" on the thickness of the carotid artery wall. They report on their findings in a recent Journal of the American Heart Association study document. "These findings," the authors write, "are consistent with previous studies that suggest that a high iron status plays a protective role against atherosclerosis, but increases the risk of thrombosis related to blood stasis." . "
Read more: Can air pollution increase the risk of death and heart disease?
Genetic markers of iron status
The study is part of a series led by scientists from Imperial College London in the United Kingdom. In these studies, international teams use the genetic data of 500,000 people to explore the links between iron levels and more than 900 conditions.
The researchers found that higher iron levels appeared to increase the risk of DVT while reducing the risk of carotid plaque.
Researchers are using a tool called Mendelian Randomization (MR) to study the links between natural iron levels and the risk of disease in individuals. By searching for DNA data on nearly 49,000 people of European descent, they found genetic markers correlated with higher natural levels of iron.
The researchers then used the iron level DNA markers to examine other sets of data from tens of thousands of people to look for links to the thickness of the carotid artery wall, DVT, and plaque. the carotid artery.
Read more: Can estrogen and vitamin D protect the health after menopause?
The Imperial College London studies natural iron levels in humans and genes, effects on arteries and cholesterol levels. It's really interesting. It does not cause heart disease! It seems paradoxical!@ Mangan150 @FatEmperor https://t.co/MhwmvXx2ZR
– Shaza (@OZmandia) July 17, 2019
"Contrasting role" of the iron status
Atherosclerosis is a major cause in the world of blood vessel diseases. It can lead to heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease. The process of atherosclerosis begins when cholesterol and other fats settle in the artery walls and develop into atheromas.
In these studies, international teams use the genetic data of 500,000 people to explore the links between iron levels and more than 900 conditions.
These can eventually break and lead to a local clot. The clot can partially or completely restrict blood flow and cause a stroke or heart attack, depending on the affected artery. The researchers suggest that their findings provide evidence of a "contrasting role" of higher natural iron levels on "different processes of thrombotic disease."
Dr. Dipender Gill of the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, and the corresponding authors, speculate on the implications of these findings and suggest that they open new avenues for further study. These could answer many unanswered questions, such as the effects of iron on cholesterol, blood clots and narrowing of the arteries.
Read more: Are diabetic patients more prone to cerebrovascular accidents?
The new study, like others in the series, only looked at people's natural iron levels using their genetic markers. He did not study the effect of taking iron supplements. Dr. Gill also said that people should consult their doctor before starting to take or stop taking iron supplements.
"Iron is an essential mineral in the body and is essential for carrying oxygen around the body," he says. "However, getting the right amount of iron in the body is a delicate balance: too little can cause anemia, but too much can lead to a whole host of problems, including liver damage."
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