Iron

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• Definition
• Introduction
• Signs & Symptoms
• Research Summary

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Executive Summary

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Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Research into Chinese medicine treatment for Iron" summarising the research below and using language that can be easily understood by patients and avoiding medical jargon using a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write an executive summary in the form of a blog article on the topic of "Researched Chinese medicine treatments for Iron" summarising the research below in an objective and easy to understand way, and using language that can be easily understood by patients. Group the article into Chinese medicine treatments first, followed by nutrition and other treatments. Avoid using medical jargon and use a professional and caring tone of voice.

Write me a concise but easy to understand executive summary on the topic of "Chinese medicine treatments for Iron" based on the following research that I will give you. Your summary should be 2 paragraphs long in Australian English spelling and include references to the studies.

A Experimental Study published in 2023 in the journal Heliyon found that Qi Shen Tang, a traditional Chinese medicine, was found to suppress retinal cell death in retinitis pigmentosa by inhibiting a process called ferroptosis. The researchers investigated the potential mechanism of Qi-Shen-Tang (QST), a combination of two traditional Chinese medicines, on retinitis pigmentosa, an eye disease. They induced a retinitis pigmentosa model in mice while subsequently treating them with QST. They then examined the impact of the medicine on the tissue morphology and function of the retina in these model mice, in addition to monitoring factors such as retinal blood flow and fundus structure. The study found that the treatment with QST led to notable improvements in the retinal tissue morphology and function. In addition, they observed an increase in retinal blood flow and normalization of the fundus structure. Following the treatment, the amounts of iron and malondialdehyde in the retinal tissue were significantly reduced, while the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and the protein expressions of various enzymes significantly increased. Molecular docking results also revealed potential interactions between the components of QST and key proteins of a particular signaling pathway, namely the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/ Glutathione peroxidase 4 pathway. The results suggest that QST may inhibit ferroptosis by suppressing this signaling pathway, thereby mitigating retinitis pigmentosa-induced damage to the retinal tissue.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2023 in the journal Journal of Food and Dairy Sciences found that Cinnamon, ginger, and mint enhanced chocolates effectively reduce menstrual pain and improve blood iron levels without increasing body weight or negatively affecting cholesterol. The methodology of the study involved a sample of 48 female student volunteers, aged 18-25, from Mansoura University who were experiencing dysmenorrhea. These volunteers were divided into eight groups of six and each group was given a different type of chocolate: regular chocolate, chocolate without herbal powder, chocolate with cinnamon powder, chocolate with cinnamon oil, chocolate with ginger powder, chocolate with ginger oil, chocolate with mint powder, and chocolate with mint oil. Discussion of the results demonstrated that the consumption of chocolates supplemented with cinnamon, ginger, and mint powders and their respective essential oils led to a significant improvement in participants' hemoglobin scores compared to a control group which consumed normal chocolate. Furthermore, it was found that these chocolates had a positive influence on serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein scores. Importantly, chocolate consumption did not lead to an increase in the participants' body mass index, proving that these chocolate variants could reduce menstrual pain and lift blood iron levels without instigating weight gain or having adverse effects on cholesterol levels.

A published in 2022 in the journal European Journal of Haematology found that The hepcidin-ferroportin iron regulatory pathway prevents iron overload, creating an inherent limit on gastrointestinal iron absorption, and hence affects the efficacy of oral iron supplementation. The methodology adopted in this study involved investigating the pathophysiology of iron absorption alongside reviewing existing evidence relating to different preparations of oral iron. Different dosing protocols were compared, including daily low dose and every other day protocols, in an attempt to bypass the limitations imposed by the body's own regulatory systems and maximize absorption while minimizing side effects. The formulation, dosing strategy, and patient selection for oral vs. intravenous iron supplementation were also studied. The results demonstrated that the body's inherent iron regulation pathway, named the hepcidin-ferroportin pathway, has evolved to prevent iron overload, which subsequently places an inherent limit on gastrointestinal iron uptake; this has significant implications for the efficacy of oral iron supplementation. Furthermore, excess unabsorbed iron proved to be responsible for various side effects often associated with oral iron supplementation, such as dyspepsia and constipation. This underlines the challenges posed by the body's own iron management system when dealing with iron deficiency through oral iron supplements.

A Clinical Study published in 2021 in the journal African Journal of Biological Sciences found that Consumption of pumpkin seeds enhances the nutritional status and improves the attention deficit of deaf female children exhibiting ADHD symptoms. This study investigated 40 deaf female children, aged between 10 and 12 years, who exhibited symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These children were selected from El Amal school for the deaf and divided into two groups; control and experimental. Various data were gathered on personal and socio-economic factors, food habits, diet history, and clinical signs, along with performing the Attention Deficit Disorder Connected with Hyperactivity for Deaf Children test. The experimental group underwent a dietary intervention, consuming 50g of magnesium and iron-rich pumpkin seeds daily over three months. The results indicated an improvement in both iron and magnesium levels within the experimental group following the dietary intervention. Notably, compared to the control group, the levels of magnesium and iron were significantly higher in the experimental group after introducing pumpkin seeds into their diet. Furthermore, on evaluating the ADHD symptoms via the Attention Deficit Disorder Connected with Hyperactivity for Deaf Children test, the experimental group showed a more substantial improvement after dietary intervention than the control group. Over time, the findings demonstrated the potential beneficial effects of consuming pumpkin seeds on the nutritional status and ADHD symptoms in the studied population.

A Cohort Study published in 2021 in the journal EClinicalMedicine found that The body begins to upregulate iron absorption at a ferritin concentration of less than 50 µg/L, indicating an incipient iron deficiency in young women. In the methodology, this study utilizes a pooled analysis of stable iron isotope studies conducted between 2006 and 2019 on healthy women aged 18 to 50. These studies quantified iron absorption from meals providing physiological quantities of iron. A mathematical model known as generalized additive modeling was employed to ascertain the relationships between iron absorption, ferritin, and a molecule called hepcidin. By estimating the first derivatives of the trend created by the model, inflection points (or thresholds) in these relationships were established. The results revealed that hepcidin increased in a linear fashion parallel to ferritin. Iron absorption increased when hepcidin reached a threshold value and when a threshold ferritin value was detected, beyond which iron absorption remained stable. An auxiliary validation within the results found that a hepcidin of approximately 3 nmol/l corresponded to a ferritin level of approximately 51 µg/l. These findings collectively suggest that if the body's ferritin concentration falls below 50 µg/L—corresponding to a hepcidin level of less than 3 nmol/l—the body will respond by absorbing more iron from the diet, signaling an emerging iron deficiency.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Flavonoids from jujube have been found to stimulate the expression of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone stimulating blood production. Jujube promotes erythropoiesis via activation of hypoxia inducible factor-induced erythropoietin, possesses potential capacity in recycling heme iron during erythrophagocytosis, exhibits bidirectional role in regulating immune response under different conditions, contains numerous minerals including iron.

A Review Article published in 2020 in the journal Frontiers in Pharmacology found that Recent studies have indicated that jujube possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities in nervous system, cardiovascular system, as well as anti-oxidation and anti-cancer properties. Traditionally in China, jujube is considered as a medicinal fruit that is being used in treating blood deficiency. In this review, the beneficial effects of jujubes on the hematopoietic functions are summarized and discussed. As illustrated in cell and animal models, the application of jujube extract possessed beneficial effects, including regulation of erythropoiesis via activation of hypoxia inducible factor-induced erythropoietin, potential capacity in recycling heme iron during erythrophagocytosis and bi-directional regulation of immune response. Thus, the blood-nourishing function of jujube is being proposed here. Flavonoid, polysaccharide and triterpenoid within jujube could serve as the potential active ingredients accounting for the aforementioned health benefits. Taken together, these findings provide several lines of evidence for further development of jujube as supplementary products for prevention and/or treatment of anemia.

A Review Article published in 2019 in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that Chinese herbal compounds can potentially treat cholelithiasis by improving biliary dynamics, protecting liver function, reducing cholesterol, and managing inflammation. In this research, various commonly used Chinese herbal compounds (CHCs) were assessed for their application in treating cholelithiasis. The investigation centered around understanding the mechanism through which these CHCs work. Critical to this understanding was the analysis of how CHCs influence biliary dynamics, liver functionalities, the levels of cholesterol and bilirubin, as well as the regulation of inflammatory responses. Following this evaluation, it was discovered that traditional Chinese medicine-based treatments such as CHCs are effective in improving overall bodily functions. This enhancement of bodily function is integral in preventing the recurrence of cholelithiasis. The results point towards the possibility of the effective use of CHCs for patients with cholelithiasis, offering further choices in treatment besides merely surgical or medication options.

A Meta-Analysis published in 2018 in the journal Scientific Reports found that Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are found to have lower ferritin levels and are more likely to have iron deficiency. For the methodology of this meta-analysis, numerous databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched for relevant studies up until August 9, 2017. The principal outcomes were the differences in peripheral iron levels between children diagnosed with ADHD and healthy controls, and the severity of ADHD symptoms in children with and without iron deficiency. Seventeen articles met the strict inclusion criteria and were therefore included in the meta-analysis. Discussing the results, peripheral serum ferritin levels (a measure of iron storage) were found to be significantly lower in children with ADHD. However, no notable difference was found in serum iron or transferrin levels (measures of iron transport). In addition, children with iron deficiency displayed more severe ADHD symptoms. Importantly, a significant link between ADHD and iron deficiency was also established.

A published in 2017 in the journal Chinese Medical Journal found that Acupuncture used for weight loss may increase the effectiveness of oral iron supplementation to treat obesity-related iron deficiency. The study was conducted on sixty iron deficient or iron deficient anemia patients who were also obese, in the Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. They were divided into two groups: one group received an oral iron supplement combined with acupuncture treatment for weight loss (acupuncture group), and the other group received the oral iron supplement along with a placebo acupuncture treatment (control group). Over the course of eight weeks, anthropometric parameters were measured, and blood samples were tested before and after the treatment. The acupuncture group showed a significant decrease in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist/hip circumference ratio, while the control group showed no significant changes. The oral iron supplement seemed to bring more noticeable improvements in the iron status indicators in the acupuncture group than in the control group. In addition, the serum leptin and hepcidin concentrations, which impact iron absorption, declined significantly in the acupuncture group and were relatively stagnant in the control group. These results suggest that acupuncture-based weight loss treatment could boost intestinal iron absorption, likely through downregulation of systemic leptin-hepcidin levels.

A published in 2015 in the journal Blood found that Iron supplements intake acutely elevates hepcidin levels, decreasing the subsequent iron absorption with lower dosages and alternate day supplementation maximizing absorption. In the methodology, a total of 54 nonanemic young women having plasma ferritin ≤20 µg/L were selected. There were two studies: the first study had 25 participants who were given varying doses of iron ranging from 40mg to 240mg at 8:00 am while fasting for one or two consecutive days. In the second study, 16 participants were given similar iron doses. A third study involving 13 participants entailed ingestion of three 60mg Fe doses within a span of 24 hours. In the results discussion, it was found that doses above 60mg led to a rise in serum hepcidin levels after 24 hours, causing a decline in fractional iron absorption by 35% to 45%. As the dosage increased, absorption fraction decreased but absolute absorption increased. For instance, a sixfold increase in iron dose resulted only in a threefold increase in amount of iron absorbed. Furthermore, the total iron absorbed from three doses was not considerably greater than from two morning doses.

A Review Article published in 2014 in the journal Nutrients found that Consuming a diverse mix of dietary measures enhances iron absorption more effectively than focusing on single nutrients or foods, especially in young women. This review examined dietary factors that contribute to iron deficiency in young women residing in industrialized countries. The study analysed dietary elements such as ascorbic acid and animal protein foods - meat, fish, and poultry - that enhance iron absorption. Conversely, it also explored elements like phytic acid, soy protein, calcium, and polyphenols, which inhibit this process. Furthermore, the research also delved into the complex interactions between these dietary factors, whose consumption effects may cancel each other out. The study made use of cross-sectional studies to deduce the relationship between diet and iron status. Through these studies, it was discovered that only meat intake consistently resulted in higher serum ferritin concentrations, indicating increased iron stores. In recent studies, the combination and timing of foods consumed were considered, yielding rather mixed results. The results indicate that while some diet elements such as ascorbic acid and meat enhance iron absorption, their impact may be nullified when consumed alongside inhibitory foods and nutrients. Across different studies, meat intake consistently improved iron status, hinting at its potential role in mitigating iron deficiency. However, the most striking finding is that using a broad selection of dietary measures, rather than focusing on individual nutrients or foods, presents a more effective approach. This suggests dietary diversification could be crucial for preventing and treating iron deficiency, particularly in young women in industrialized countries.

A Review Article published in 2014 in the journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine found that Honey has shown to be a safe and occasionally superior treatment for various wounds compared to current treatments, even in wilderness environments. The research was based on a review of existing literature on the physiological properties of honey, focusing on its uses in wound care. Documents showing the efficacy and safety of honey as a treatment for several wounds were examined. Comparisons with traditional wound treatment procedures were also made, presenting honey as a viable alternative. This evaluation even considered the use of honey in challenging environments, such as the wilderness. The results showed that honey is not only a safe but sometimes a superior alternative to current wound treatments. Its unique physiological properties make it a valuable wound care resource. The versatility of honey, as indicated in the results, also suggests potential usability in unique or difficult environments like wilderness scenarios. Even with the variability in wounds and wound environments considered, honey was consistently shown thanks to its inherent antiseptic and healing properties.

A Systematic Review published in 2010 in the journal Chinese Medicine found that Long-term consumption of tea catechins could be beneficial against high-fat diet-induced obesity and type II diabetes and could reduce the risk of coronary disease. Laboratory studies showed the health effects of green tea. As the human clinical evidence is still limited, future research needs to define the actual magnitude of health benefits, establishes the safe range of tea consumption associated with these benefits, and elucidates the mechanisms of action. Development of more specific and sensitive methods with more representative models along with the development of good predictive biomarkers will give a better understanding of how green tea interacts with endogenous systems and other exogenous factors. Definitive conclusions concerning the protective effect of green tea have to come from well-designed observational epidemiological studies and intervention trials. The development of biomarkers for green tea consumption, as well as molecular markers for its biological effects, will facilitate future research in this area.

A published in 2009 in the journal Biological Trace Element Research found that Bovine meats exhibit low variations in total iron content, with more than 60% of it consisting of heme iron. Two 4-month-year-old calves were injected with radioactive iron (55Fe), and then, samples were taken from the principal cuts of meat and major organs. The collected samples underwent acid digestion and their iron content was observed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In an overlapping process, another set of duplicate samples were analyzed for the concentration of 55Fe via a double isotopic method. In the discussion of results, it was observed that the all cuts of meat had a consistent level of total iron (TFe). The amount of heme iron (HeFe) was found to represent more than 60% of TFe in meat, and varying larger proportions in different organs. The spleen held the highest HeFe proportion, whilst the liver contained the lowest. There was a notable amount of the radioisotope found in the blood, with minimal amounts found in muscle and organs.

A Randomised Controlled Trial published in 2000 in the journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that Healthy individuals, including those with low iron stores, show reduced nonheme-iron absorption after iron supplementation, leading to larger iron stores that are sustained over time. This research was conducted via a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 57 healthy volunteers (comprising of men and women). The participants' absorption of heme and nonheme iron was measured both prior and subsequent to a 12-week course of iron supplementation achieved through the provision of 50mg iron everyday as ferrous sulphate. Alongside, serum and fecal ferritin were observed during the supplementation period and for six months thereafter. In the initial phase, both heme and nonheme iron absorption had an inverse relation with serum ferritin concentration. With the passage of the 12 week period of iron supplementation, participants, even those with serum ferritin less than 21 microg/L, showed evidence of absorbing less nonheme iron from their diet, but no such change was observed with respect to heme iron from a beef-based meal. Serum ferritin concentration was higher after the supplementation period than after placebo, and this increase remained for more than half a year, barring individuals with low iron stores, in whom the serum ferritin levels returned to their initial numbers within three months. A 2.5-fold increase in fecal ferritin excretion was noted during the supplementation. It becomes evident from these findings that even people with low iron stores adapt by lowering their nonheme iron absorption from food in response to iron supplementation. Despite this adaptation, iron stores appeared to be greater after iron supplementation when compared to placebo, and the difference was sustained across the board, except in the case of people with the lowest iron stores.

A Clinical Study published in 1999 in the journal Neonatology found that Female neonates show significantly higher cord serum ferritin concentrations than male neonates, and this difference is crucial when assessing their iron nutriture post-birth. The researchers measured cord serum ferritin concentrations in a total of 255 infants, divided into 116 females and 139 males. The study evaluated the relationship between these ferritin values and a series of neonatal and maternal characteristics. Notably, the study also considered specific groups such as infants with fetal growth restriction, infants with birth weights lower than 3,000g and infants with young or African American mothers. In the study, a significant correlation was discovered between the maternal serum ferritin concentration at the 36-week gestation mark and the cord serum ferritin of male infants, while the same association was found to be less significant in the case of female infants. The mechanism behind this gender difference in ferritin concentration is not yet fully understood.

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