Iron is an essential mineral that plays a fundamental role in numerous bodily functions, including oxygen transportation, energy generation, and cell growth and differentiation.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting approximately 2 billion people. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia and multiple health problems, including impaired immune function, fatigue, and impaired cognitive function.

Iron and Blood Stickiness

Blood is a fluid that carries oxygen and nutrients to the organs and tissues in the body. Blood is made up of various components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.

Iron plays a crucial role in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide by binding to heme, which is a component of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. When there is an insufficient amount of iron in the body, the production of hemoglobin is impaired, leading to anemia.

Iron deficiency can also affect the stickiness of blood by reducing the production and function of platelets, which are the blood cells responsible for blood clotting.

Platelets play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of blood vessels and preventing excessive bleeding. However, in certain situations, such as atherosclerosis, platelets can contribute to the formation of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Atherosclerosis and Blood Clots

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the walls of arteries become thickened and hardened due to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaque). Atherosclerosis can occur in any artery in the body, including those that supply the brain, heart, and legs.

When plaque is present in an artery, it can rupture, leading to the release of debris and platelets and the formation of a blood clot. If the blood clot is large enough to obstruct blood flow to an organ, it can result in ischemia (lack of oxygen and nutrients) and cell death.

Stroke is a medical emergency caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain, usually due to a blood clot or bleeding. Stroke can cause irreversible brain damage, paralysis, speech impairment, and death.

High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels are well-established risk factors for stroke. However, recent studies have suggested that iron deficiency may also increase the risk of stroke by promoting blood stickiness and clot formation.

Iron Deficiency and Stroke Risk

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association analyzed the association between iron deficiency and stroke risk in a population-based cohort of over 21,500 participants.

The researchers measured the participants’ serum iron levels and other biomarkers of iron status and followed them for a median of 24 years. During the follow-up period, there were 2,240 cases of stroke.

The study found that participants with low serum iron levels had a higher risk of stroke than those with normal levels. The risk was particularly high for ischemic stroke, which is caused by a blood clot in the brain.

The researchers also found that participants with low hemoglobin levels had a higher risk of stroke than those with normal levels. Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells and is often used as a marker of iron deficiency.

Another study published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis investigated the association between iron deficiency and platelet activation in patients with coronary artery disease.

The researchers collected blood samples from 70 patients with coronary artery disease and measured their platelet activation markers and iron status. They found that patients with iron deficiency had higher levels of platelet activation than those without iron deficiency.

The researchers concluded that iron deficiency may contribute to platelet activation and blood clot formation in patients with coronary artery disease.

Iron Supplementation and Stroke Prevention

Iron deficiency can be treated with iron supplementation, which is available in various forms, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate.

However, iron supplementation should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as excess iron can be toxic and cause liver damage.

Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of iron supplementation in reducing the risk of stroke.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging reviewed eight randomized controlled trials that investigated the effect of iron supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes. The analysis included over 6,500 participants with various cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.

The analysis found that iron supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency is a prevalent nutritional deficiency that affects many people worldwide. Iron deficiency can impair the production and function of red blood cells and platelets, leading to anemia and blood stickiness.

Blood stickiness can contribute to the formation of blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Recent studies have suggested that iron deficiency may increase the risk of stroke by promoting blood clot formation. However, iron supplementation may help reduce the risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events.