NUT Wk 12 - Headache Flashcards
What is a possible symptom of iron-deficiency anemia?
Headaches.
What relationship exists between serum ferritin levels and headaches or migraines in people who menstruate?
An inverse relationship. Lower ferritin levels are associated with more severe headaches or migraines.
What effect do higher ferritin levels have on those who are post-menopausal?
Higher ferritin levels seem to be protective against headaches and migraines in post-menopausal individuals.
Is there a relationship between iron and headaches in those assigned male at birth?
No, no relationship exists between iron and headaches/migraines in those assigned male at birth.
What are the primary forms of iron in the body?
Hemoglobin, myoglobin, storage iron (ferritin), and transport iron (transferrin).
Where is most of the body’s iron found?
In hemoglobin and myoglobin.
What is ferritin, and where is it stored?
Ferritin is storage iron, stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.
What is the role of transferrin in iron transport?
Transferrin is the protein that binds to iron in the blood plasma to transport it.
Where does most iron absorption occur in the body?
In the upper small intestine.
What is the major control point for iron balance in the body?
Iron absorption.
How does the body control iron absorption?
The body adjusts iron absorption based on ferritin levels in the intestinal mucosal cells.
What is the difference between heme and non-heme iron?
Heme iron is found in animal products and is absorbed more efficiently; non-heme iron is found in plant foods and requires more processing to be absorbed.
Which form of iron is absorbed more easily: ferric (Fe3+) or ferrous (Fe2+)?
Ferrous (Fe2+) iron is more easily absorbed.
What helps reduce ferric iron to ferrous iron in the stomach?
Gastric acid.
What percentage of nonheme and heme iron is typically absorbed?
About 17% of nonheme iron and 25% of heme iron.
How does iron deficiency affect iron absorption?
Iron deficiency enhances the absorption of heme iron but not nonheme iron.
What factors enhance the absorption of iron?
Body need, vitamin C, acids, animal proteins, and peptides released during meat digestion.
Which substances inhibit iron absorption?
Phosphates, phytates, oxalates, soy proteins, polyphenols (tea and coffee), and calcium.
How does infection affect iron absorption?
Infection limits iron absorption to deprive microorganisms of iron.
What are common dietary sources of heme iron?
Animal proteins.
What are some dietary sources of nonheme iron?
Spinach, sweet potatoes, peas, broccoli, leafy greens, enriched cereals, whole grains, legumes, and dried fruit.
What dietary factors are commonly associated with migraine headaches?
Caffeine, milk, cheese, citrus, processed meats, MSG, aspartame, and alcohol.
How is omega-3 fatty acid intake related to migraines?
Higher omega-3 fatty acid intake is associated with a lower prevalence of severe headaches or migraines.
What are some potential causes of iron deficiency anemia?
Decreased intake, increased loss, malabsorption, chronic disease, and obesity.
What is PICA, and how is it related to iron deficiency?
PICA is the compulsive craving of non-food items (like ice or soil), often associated with iron deficiency.
How much elemental iron do most people with iron deficiency need per day?
150-200 mg per day.
What are the differences between various iron salts in terms of elemental iron content?
Ferrous gluconate (12%), ferrous fumarate (33%), and iron bisglycinate (17%).
How should nonheme iron salts be taken?
On an empty stomach.
What is the recommended duration of iron therapy?
Iron therapy should continue for at least 2 months after hemoglobin levels normalize to replenish iron stores.
What is a common side effect of iron supplementation?
Constipation.
