9. Mineral – Iron
In addition to anemia from insufficient iron in the blood, there is also the increased risk of cancer. A compelling study in 2015 found a surprising link between iron deficiency anemia and cancer. The overall risk of cancer among patients with iron deficiency anemia was vastly elevated. This risk was associated with cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, but also cancers of the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and bladder.
Individuals with iron deficiency anemia in Taiwan participated in the study for about ten years. Based on their findings, researchers applied the Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR). This ratio measures if cancer occurrence in a society is high. If the SIR is 1, this is a norm of the population. If the SIR is 2, it means that the incidence of cancer is 100% more than expected. The ratio of the iron deficiency anemia suffers averaged at 2.15.
Iron is important for the manufacture and functioning of the red blood cells which transport oxygen to the body. When iron is deficient, it can lead to increased oxidative stress which leads to the release of free radicals in the body. These free radicals are regarded as the cause of cancer. Cell membranes are weakened, making them vulnerable.
If the mitochondria of the cells do not have sufficient iron, they cannot function. The mitochondria that are unable to perform affect the heart’s ability to pump. Oxygen is not moving throughout the body, affecting the metabolic ability of cells. The body becomes susceptible to cancer. Too much iron is also bad for the body, and studies suggest that it could also lead to an increased risk of cancer. That is why the iron levels in the body should be maintained at the correct levels.