Vim & Vigor - Fall 2018 - 7

"Iron deficiency is the most common deficiency and
leading cause of anemia in the U.S.," says Dr. Kulkarni.
It's often characterized by extreme fatigue, paleness,
shortness of breath, restless legs, brittle fingernails, cold
hands and feet, and irritability, among other things. "While
iron deficiency can happen to anyone," adds Dr. Kulkarni,
"women, infants and children, vegetarians, and frequent
blood donors are the most likely to experience it."
While supplementation is an option, keep in mind that too
much iron can be very dangerous. The best way to prevent
deficiency is a well-balanced diet complete with iron-rich
foods-beef, broccoli, spinach, egg yolks, parsley, kidney beans,
enriched white breads and fortified breakfast cereals. It's also
important to note that there are foods that help increase your
body's absorption of iron, like those high in Vitamin C.

Calcium
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If you suspect a vitamin deficiency, you should
discuss it with your provider. The only way
to know for sure is to have a blood test.
To find an expert provider near you, visit
gwinnettmedicalgroup.com/primary.

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral. In fact, it's a major part of many
bodily functions. "It's essential for cell, skin, hair and nail
health and vital to the creation of hemoglobin-the molecule
in your red bloods cells responsible for the transportation of
oxygen throughout the body," notes Dr. Kulkarni.
Iron is found naturally in many foods, like red meat, fish,
poultry, spinach, lentils, beans and fortified cereals. Dietary
iron comes in two forms-heme and non-heme. Heme iron
is found in animal foods with hemoglobin and is absorbed
more readily in the body. Non-heme iron is found in plant
food sources.

Everyone knows that calcium is key to lasting health and
wellness, but did you know that it's the most abundant
mineral in the human body? "This vital mineral is most known
for helping develop strong bones and teeth, but it's also
responsible for other important bodily functions, like nerve
impulses, blood clotting, hormone secretion, enzyme secretion
and muscle expansion and contraction," says Dr. Kulkarni.
Calcium is found in a variety of foods, like dairy, leafy green
vegetables, select fish and enriched and fortified foods.
A calcium deficiency is characterized by muscles spasms,
weak and brittle nails, depression, confusion or memory loss
and brittle or weak bones. Not getting enough calcium can
put you at a higher risk for osteoporosis, osteopenia and
calcium deficiency disease.
"As with most vitamin and mineral deficiencies, a wellbalanced diet that includes a variety of calcium-rich foods is
essential to maintaining a healthy calcium level," emphasizes
Dr. Kulkarni. Foods include milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines,
broccoli, salmon, breakfast cereal, fruit juice and tofu.
Vitamin D can also help boost the absorption of calcium.
While Vitamin D, iron and calcium are crucial for your
overall health and wellness, they only make up three of
the 13 essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. To
ensure you maintain a healthy balance of all these vitamins
and minerals, work with your primary care provider. Not only
can your provider identify a deficiency, he or she can also
offer the best treatment option for you. ■

FALL 2018

http://www.gwinnettmedicalgroup.com/primary

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