By Dr. Julia Lizy, MBBS (KEMU)
Low iron and constipation
Iron is an important bio-element. It forms important structures in our body, including hemoglobin. It also plays a pivotal role in vital body functions. A slight fall or rise in its concentration can cause serious symptoms.
Our body keeps iron in narrow ranges. The body regulates the amount of iron in our bodies through absorption, not excretion.
This is different from how the body regulates other minerals. For instance, magnesium levels are controlled by excretion. If the body gets too much, the kidneys simply excrete it through the urine.
Because the body regulates iron levels by speeding up or slowing down absorption, the amount of iron in the body directly affects the gastrointestinal system.
Thus, a person suffering from iron deficiency is prone to constipation. When the iron level is low or the quality of hemoglobin in red blood corpuscles is low, the body works harder to make the necessary changes in order to increase absorption. In such a case, constipation is inevitable.
Whenever a disorder or imbalance occurs in the body, as happens with low iron and constipation, we have to find a way to treat the imbalance while dealing with each of the objectives in managing the deficiency.
In cases of iron deficiency, the treatment objectives are:
The first objective for treating iron deficiency is to meet the body’s requirements of iron; that is, we want to bring iron levels to normal.
Constipation caused by iron deficiency can be a difficult problem to handle. If not dealt with properly, constipation may persist even when the iron deficiency is remedied. Iron supplements plus other agents are needed to rectify the problem caused by low iron and constipation.
Of course, the best treatment plan would be if there were a single agent that takes care of both objectives. If there such an agent, what is that? I will get to that in a minute.
There are a number of factors to consider when treating iron deficiency with an iron supplement.
Just taking an iron supplement is an inefficient way to increase iron levels. Thankfully, taking a magnesium supplement along with iron will increase the absorption of iron.
A magnesium supplement, such as Ionic Sea Minerals, increases the absorption of iron, thereby decreasing the likelihood of constipation. Plus, this sea mineral supplement provides valuable trace minerals.
A magnesium supplement coupled with iron supplements in the treatment of iron deficiency helps in the following ways:
A. It increases the absorption of iron from the intestinal lumen; the accelerated absorption minimizes the need for slowed peristalsis, thus avoiding constipation.
B. Magnesium itself can prevent constipation by drawing water into the colon to make the stool softer, slicker and bulkier.
To fight against iron deficiency and alleviate constipation as the same time, I recommend that one take a magnesium mineral supplement along with iron.
When magnesium isn't added to iron supplementation, an iron deficiency may linger, as well as painful constipation, even after the iron deficiency is treated.
Magnesium supplementation can be continued even after iron supplements are withdrawn. A magnesium supplement is generally safe, effective, and inexpensive, and has numerous potential health benefits.