Case Study #2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Case Study #2 - Essay Example Health wise, in their old age, this group of people is susceptible to a variety of ailments that can negatively impact on their welfare. It can be noted that the major problem associated with large quantities of iron in bodies of older people is that it increases the risk of developing chronic diseases that are often life threatening. Conceptually, excess iron in the body has negative impacts in that it can cause chronic diseases among the elderly as stated above. However, it has to be noted that iron plays a very important role in the human body. According to Harmes (N.D.), â€Å"Iron is a mineral used by the body in the production of red blood cells. Specifically, iron is used in the production of haemoglobin which is the main protein in red blood cells and this substance carries oxygen throughout the body.† From this assertion, it can also be seen that without iron, the body will not be able to function properly given that the other parts will have inadequate oxygen. It can be argued that there are many factors, such as gender, health status, iron status, and intake of other dietary factors such as fibre that affect the way the body absorbs iron. In this case study population of the elderly American people, about one-fifth of the total daily iron intake is derived from iron-fortified cereals. However, f urther study is needed to determine which foods, including iron-fortified foods contribute to increased iron levels. Basically, there is need for a fine balance in the levels of iron in the body so as to avoid both risks associated with its inadequacy or its excessive quantities in the body. Given that the elderly are at risk of high iron stores in their bodies, it is recommendable for these elderly persons to consult a physician about their nutritional requirements before they embark on an iron supplementation programme. Consulting a physician first