A lack of iron in the blood can lead to a decrease in the level of white blood cells. Experimentally, scientists have found that such a deficiency can lead to severe anemia, according to the Science Advances portal.

Scientists from the German Cancer Research Center investigated the work of cells of the immune system (leukocytes). The proteins IPR-1 and IRP-2 are responsible for the entry of iron into cells. When they were blocked in adult mice, anemia developed - iron deficiency caused a decrease in hemoglobin and the size of red blood cells.

In addition, the level of leukocytes dropped sharply in the test subjects, mainly affecting neutrophils, which account for up to two-thirds of human leukocytes. They are an important part of innate immunity.

Experts have found the reason for the reduction of leukocytes. It turned out that neutrophils did not die en masse, but development was blocked in the bone marrow. The scientists concluded that this process is dependent on iron, since other types of white blood cells were not affected by protein blockade. The researchers hypothesized that iron deficiency affects immune defenses against bacterial pathogens.

We will remind, earlier the nutritionist explained that the sudden desire of women to eat meat is associated with iron deficiency. And the hematologist listed foods that can raise the level of iron in the blood without pills.