Iron therapy may cause ulcersGastric Ulcer From Prolonged Oral Iron Therapy: A Case Report and Literature Review.
Strong relevance; direct case study
We explored a case involving a 66-year-old woman who developed a gastric ulcer after using oral iron supplements for an extended period. Iron therapy is commonly prescribed for treating iron deficiency anemia, but it often comes with gastrointestinal side effects.
In this instance, the patient had a history of GI bleeding and other medical conditions, which might have contributed to her increased risk. While gastrointestinal issues with iron supplements are not unusual, having a gastric ulcer as a direct result is rare, and only a handful of similar cases have been reported in medical literature.
Upon conducting endoscopic and histopathological evaluations, we identified iron deposits in the ulcer bed, confirming that the iron therapy was indeed linked to her gastric ulcer. After stopping the oral iron supplements, her symptoms resolved, highlighting the need for careful patient monitoring during iron therapy to prevent serious complications like ulcers.
Our findings emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing the potential adverse effects of oral iron to maintain a safe and effective treatment regimen for iron deficiency anemia.
Read More
Hydrogel with iron enhances healingFerric Iron/Shikonin Nanoparticle-Embedded Hydrogels with Robust Adhesion and Healing Functions for Treating Oral Ulcers in Diabetes.
Moderate relevance to iron's effects
We explored a groundbreaking approach to treating oral ulcers, especially in diabetic patients, using a special hydrogel infused with ferric iron and shikonin nanoparticles. This hydrogel, known as FSH3, is designed to adhere well to mucosal lesions, creating an effective barrier when applied.
By combining silk fibroin and hyaluronic acid, the hydrogel becomes light-sensitive, solidifying upon UV exposure to provide a durable treatment option. With the unique properties of ferric iron included in the formulation, we observed enhanced healing effects, including improved elimination of harmful bacteria and better management of oxidative stress around the ulcer site.
In tests conducted on diabetic rats, FSH3 significantly accelerated the healing process compared to traditional treatments. It did so by balancing the inflammatory response and preserving the oral microbiota, which are essential for efficiently regenerating tissue. Overall, our findings suggest that iron, when incorporated into this innovative hydrogel, holds promise for advancing treatments for oral ulcers in diabetic patients.
Read More
Iron-based hoof care effectivenessInvestigation on the effectiveness of a new hoof care product to sustainably reduce and prevent digital dermatitis in dairy cow herds.
Iron's isolated effect unclear
We examined how a hoof care product containing iron, among other ingredients, impacts digital dermatitis (DD) in dairy cows. In our study, we compared two groups of 132 cows in Germany—one treated with a product made of iron complex salts, zinc salts, and aluminum, and the other serving as a control group that received no product aside from washing. We applied the treatment on one hind foot of each cow twice a week for a year while monitoring the prevalence and severity of DD lesions.
Throughout the study, we observed notable results. The treatment group displayed a significantly smaller overall disease severity compared to the control group. Specifically, the odds of having an active DD lesion were nearly six times higher in those without treatment. Interestingly, heifers that joined during the trial received the treatment beforehand and experienced a marked reduction in active lesions compared to their untreated counterparts. This suggests that the combination of iron and other ingredients effectively lessens the impact of this common hoof disease in dairy herds.
In conclusion, the findings highlight the potential of this hoof care product, not just in treating existing cases of DD but also in preventing new ones, especially in young animals entering herds. While we acknowledge that iron acts alongside other components, the overall effectiveness of the product is worth noting for those seeking alternatives to traditional chemicals in hoof care.
Read More