NUT Wk 12 - Headache

Question 1

What is a possible symptom of iron-deficiency anemia?

Answer 1

Headaches.

Question 2

What relationship exists between serum ferritin levels and headaches or migraines in people who menstruate?

Answer 2

An inverse relationship. Lower ferritin levels are associated with more severe headaches or migraines.

Question 3

What effect do higher ferritin levels have on those who are post-menopausal?

Answer 3

Higher ferritin levels seem to be protective against headaches and migraines in post-menopausal individuals.

Question 4

Is there a relationship between iron and headaches in those assigned male at birth?

Answer 4

No, no relationship exists between iron and headaches/migraines in those assigned male at birth.

Question 5

What are the primary forms of iron in the body?

Answer 5

Hemoglobin, myoglobin, storage iron (ferritin), and transport iron (transferrin).

Question 6

Where is most of the body’s iron found?

Answer 6

In hemoglobin and myoglobin.

Question 7

What is ferritin, and where is it stored?

Answer 7

Ferritin is storage iron, stored in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow.

Question 8

What is the role of transferrin in iron transport?

Answer 8

Transferrin is the protein that binds to iron in the blood plasma to transport it.

Question 9

Where does most iron absorption occur in the body?

Answer 9

In the upper small intestine.

Question 10

What is the major control point for iron balance in the body?

Answer 10

Iron absorption.

Question 11

How does the body control iron absorption?

Answer 11

The body adjusts iron absorption based on ferritin levels in the intestinal mucosal cells.

Question 12

What is the difference between heme and non-heme iron?

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Which form of iron is absorbed more easily: ferric (Fe3+) or ferrous (Fe2+)?

Answer 13

Ferrous (Fe2+) iron is more easily absorbed.

Question 14

What helps reduce ferric iron to ferrous iron in the stomach?

Answer 14

Gastric acid.

Question 15

What percentage of nonheme and heme iron is typically absorbed?

Answer 15

About 17% of nonheme iron and 25% of heme iron.

Question 16

How does iron deficiency affect iron absorption?

Answer 16

Iron deficiency enhances the absorption of heme iron but not nonheme iron.

Question 17

What factors enhance the absorption of iron?

Answer 17

Body need, vitamin C, acids, animal proteins, and peptides released during meat digestion.

Question 18

Which substances inhibit iron absorption?

Answer 18

Phosphates, phytates, oxalates, soy proteins, polyphenols (tea and coffee), and calcium.

Question 19

How does infection affect iron absorption?

Answer 19

Infection limits iron absorption to deprive microorganisms of iron.

Question 20

What are common dietary sources of heme iron?

Answer 20

Animal proteins.

Question 21

What are some dietary sources of nonheme iron?

Answer 21

Spinach, sweet potatoes, peas, broccoli, leafy greens, enriched cereals, whole grains, legumes, and dried fruit.

Question 22

What dietary factors are commonly associated with migraine headaches?

Answer 22

Caffeine, milk, cheese, citrus, processed meats, MSG, aspartame, and alcohol.

Question 23

How is omega-3 fatty acid intake related to migraines?

Answer 23

Higher omega-3 fatty acid intake is associated with a lower prevalence of severe headaches or migraines.

Question 24

What are some potential causes of iron deficiency anemia?

Answer 24

Decreased intake, increased loss, malabsorption, chronic disease, and obesity.

Question 25

What is PICA, and how is it related to iron deficiency?

Answer 25

PICA is the compulsive craving of non-food items (like ice or soil), often associated with iron deficiency.

Question 26

How much elemental iron do most people with iron deficiency need per day?

Answer 26

150-200 mg per day.

Question 27

What are the differences between various iron salts in terms of elemental iron content?

Answer 27

Ferrous gluconate (12%), ferrous fumarate (33%), and iron bisglycinate (17%).

Question 28

How should nonheme iron salts be taken?

Answer 28

On an empty stomach.

Question 29

What is the recommended duration of iron therapy?

Answer 29

Iron therapy should continue for at least 2 months after hemoglobin levels normalize to replenish iron stores.

Question 30

What is a common side effect of iron supplementation?

Answer 30

Constipation.