“Iron” man: scientists have found that longevity depends on the level of iron in the body

Scientists from Germany and the UK have discovered a link between longevity and iron levels in the body. An international team of researchers studied publicly available genetic databases and came to the conclusion that the iron content affects life expectancy and the development of diseases in old age. At the same time, the amount of this trace element should be balanced: not only iron deficiency is dangerous, but also its excess. We tell you what level is considered healthy and how to maintain it.

A cure against aging

The study was conducted by scientists from the Max Planck Institute for the Biology of Aging in Cologne and the University of Edinburgh. These specialists have long been engaged in gerontology, but specifically for the study of iron was allocated a separate group.

In the course of their work, the scientists found out that the metabolism of this trace element directly affects life expectancy, health and longevity. The results of the study can be used in the development of drugs that regulate iron metabolism depending on its level in the blood.

In the long term, such drugs can reduce the number of “age-related” diseases – reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, liver damage, decreased immunity. Of course, we cannot expect extreme longevity in the foreseeable future, but living to an advanced age without diseases is a realistic prospect.

An indispensable trace element

This trace element plays an essential role in the vital functions of the body, including participation in the processes of cellular respiration and hematopoiesis. Almost 70% of all iron entering the body goes to the synthesis of hemoglobin, and the remaining 30% are stored in the tissues and spent gradually – for the work of the thyroid gland, metabolic processes, maintaining the immune system.

With iron deficiency, the level of hemoglobin in the blood falls. As a consequence, develops chronic fatigue, decreased efficiency, deteriorating appearance – especially hair and nails, shortness of breath appears even with light exercise, falls immunity.

Excess iron in the body threatens the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and in some cases can lead to the appearance of tumors, including malignant.

That is, both deficiency and excess of the trace element are bad.

Where to get iron?

Independently, the body can not synthesize iron, so it is very important to maintain its balance with the help of proper nutrition.

The most effectively assimilated iron of animal origin, which is found in meat and its by-products, especially liver, fish and seafood. Also this trace element is in nuts, cabbage, greens, legumes, apples, mushrooms, cereals.

To better assimilate iron, you need to carefully monitor the diet. In the menu it is important to include foods that contain vitamins A and C, as well as folic acid – berries, pineapples, kiwi, tomatoes, citrus fruits, carrots, apricots, pumpkin, eggs, eggplant, eggplant, bell peppers.

In addition, food containing iron and calcium should be consumed separately. In this case, both trace elements will be assimilated most effectively.

An ordinary person (not a professional athlete) is enough about 15 milligrams of iron per day. For athletes and people engaged in hard physical labor or who have suffered heavy blood loss, as well as women during pregnancy, 25-35 milligrams of iron per day is recommended.

You can raise iron levels with the help of special medications. But you can not overdo it with them – you need to be careful and strictly follow the recommendations of doctors. Iron preparations are prescribed only after blood tests and in case of a pronounced deficiency of the trace element.