Besides causing anemia, according to a recent study conducted in the UK, iron deficiency may also increase the risk of stroke by making blood platelets stickier.
Researchers at Imperial College in London conducted a study following 497 patients with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations for over 14 years.
After adjusting for other risk factors, it was found that subjects with low serum iron levels were twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared with subjects whose iron levels were within the normal range. Iron-deficiency enhances platelet aggregation. And this heightens the stroke risk.
In fact, iron is a mineral much needed by our bodies. Iron is a part of many enzymes and is used in many cell functions. For example, iron (as part of the protein hemoglobin) carries oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. And many enzymes help our bodies digest foods and also help with many other important reactions that occur within our bodies. When our bodies don't have enough iron, many parts of our bodies are affected.
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