New method: Doctors recognize iron deficiency on lips

For the blood to transport oxygen well, it needs one thing above all: iron. If it is lacking, the ability to concentrate decreases. A burning tongue or hair loss are typical symptoms of iron deficiency. A blood test normally reveals whether this is the case. However, researchers at Munich University Hospital, together with colleagues from the USA, have developed a new method that makes a blood test in the laboratory superfluous. Doctors can now also detect iron deficiency on the lips.

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via Sabrina
01/27/2017, 14:00
Die neue Diagnose-Methode ist superschnell. Nach nicht einmal zwei Minuten haben die Ärzte das Ergebnis.© iStock
The new diagnostic method is super fast. The doctors have the result in less than two minutes.
Vitamin C sorgt dafür, dass der Körper das Eisen aus Pflanzen viel besser aufnimmt.© iStock
Vitamin C ensures that the body absorbs iron from plants much better.

Zinc molecules in the blood emit light

You simply hold an optical fiber to your lower lip. The diagnostic procedure sounds unusual at first. But it works, as an initial study with women shows. The explanation: iron deficiency leads to an increased accumulation of zinc molecules in the blood. These are fluorescent when they come into contact with the blue light of the optical fiber. This means that they then light up, similar to fireflies. And the doctors can see that. In this way, iron deficiency can be detected on the lips in a matter of minutes.

The biggest risk factors for iron deficiency

An unbalanced diet and heavy and long periods are risk factors for iron deficiency. If the doctor detects iron deficiency, he will prescribe appropriate tablets. Or he will administer the trace element once or twice a week by infusion.

Meat is the best source

Experts recommend 10 to 15 mg of iron a day. Meat is a particularly good source. This is because the body utilizes animal iron most effectively. For example, 100 g of calf's liver contains 8 mg. If you mainly consume the trace element through plant-based foods, you should make sure that you combine it with vitamin C, for example from orange juice. This way, more of it gets into the blood.