Why do serum levels of iron increase during an infection?

Low iron levels, what does this mean?

• For almost a year now I have had severe bone pain throughout my body. Last week I had my 10th blood test to try and find the cause, this is what they found: According to my doctor normal iron levels for someone my size are 80-300 My iron level is 30. But, my hemoglobin levels are normal. 1) What does this mean? 2) What is a possible cause? 3) Is this dangerously low? 4) What does iron do in your body? 5) What happens to someone when they have low iron levels? Also I have had this test done multiple times, and this is the first time the level has been this low, so why is this suddenly the cause for something that has been going on for a year, I am not convinced. So, what could be the cause of my bone pain? Any help would be greatly appreciated! I am quite frustrated that I still don't have answers Thank you! :)

• Answer:

  Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common form of anemia, is a decrease in the number of red blood cells caused by too little iron. Without sufficient iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that makes it possible for them to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. As a result, you may feel weak, tired, and irritable. 1) Low iron levels within the body will lead to Iron deficiency anemia If you are female, the most common cause is heavy periods, if you are not female and/or you don't have heavy periods, it could indicate a bleeding point or other disorder. 2) Low iron levels usually are due to blood loss, poor diet, an inability to absorb enough iron from food, or just not getting enough iron from food. Iron rich foods include: spinach, 3 ounces of beef/chicken liver (3.5 milligrams of iron per serving), 3 ounces of clams or mollusks (3.5 milligrams of iron per serving), 3 ounces of oysters (3.5 milligrams of iron per serving), 3 ounces of cooked beef (2.1 milligrams of iron per serving), 3 ounces of canned sardines, in oil (2.1 milligrams of iron per serving), 3 ounces of cooked turkey (2.1 milligrams of iron per serving), 3 ounces of chicken (0.7 milligrams of iron per serving), 3 ounces of halibut, haddock, perch, salmon or tuna (0.7 milligrams of iron per serving), 3 ounces of ham (0.7 milligrams of iron per serving), 3 ounces of veal (0.7 milligrams of iron per serving). More food is cereal, dried apricots and broccoli. 3) It's different for everyone 4) Among other things, iron helps the blood transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissue cells where it is needed. This makes sense, when you consider that iron is well known to rust easily. Rusting is the process of oxidation, or the absorbing of oxygen. 5) When you don't get enough iron in your body you may get anemia, excessive menstrual bleeding, learning dissabilities, impaired immune functions, low body temperature, light headedness, dizzy spells, fatigue, weak and/or tiredness. You may also go pale in the face and need to rest more in excersise. This is because Iron is required for energy, healthy brain development and endurance because it delivers oxygen throughout the body. When you are low in iron your brain and organs are being starved of oxygen.