Iron is one of the essential nutrients required in our bodies. It makes red blood cells that carry oxygen to all body parts. This vital mineral also aids in metabolism, digestion, brain function, and other bodily functions. Usually, in healthy people, this level is maintained by regulation of intestinal absorption; however, in some cases, these levels can be out of balance. These deficiencies or excesses cause a range of diverse symptoms that are often missed by doctors so that it is not seen as a problem immediately. It is essential to know an adequate iron level to prevent health risks in children and adults alike.
Your blood consists of three types of cells. These are the white blood cells, the red blood cells, and the platelets. Your body produces red blood cells by a process called Erythropoiesis (red blood cell formation). These red blood cells contain a substance called hemoglobin that provides oxygen to all your organs. Hemoglobin is responsible for making your blood red. First, your body uses this hemoglobin to carry oxygen through the veins and arteries to your all body organs; then, another red blood cell steps in to get oxygen from the lungs and transport it where it’s needed.
Low Iron level in blood – The Red Flag
If you constantly feel tired, dizzy, weak, lethargic, or experience trouble thinking or concentrating. Apart from this, if you see your skin turn pale and continuously feel cold or have an irregular heartbeat, you might be experiencing iron-deficiency anemia. This is the condition where you should try to boost iron in the blood.
It’s not just about feeling tired all the time. Physical symptoms can include brittle nails, headache, and a sore tongue. It’s also not just about being a woman either. Men are also at risk of iron deficiency anemia if they have bowel disease like Crohn’s disease, which affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
As a result of this need for good iron level in blood, many people choose to take supplements or eat more foods that contain high levels of iron. This can help them achieve a “good” amount of iron in their blood. While nutritionists or dieticians suggest liquid iron supplements for adults, it is imperative to take any ion alternative after consulting a doctor.
Who Needs Iron Supplement Most?
Pregnant Women
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pregnant or breastfeeding women need additional iron because they have increased blood volume, and their babies need additional iron to grow. Therefore, every expecting or breastfeeding mother must consult with their doctors about how much iron they should consume each day.
Kidney Dialysis
People on dialysis or who have kidney diseases such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can affect red blood cell production, should take liquid iron supplements after consulting with doctors. They can advise how much iron should be consumed each day
People Suffering From Ulcer
According to the NIH, people with ulcers might suffer from internal bleeding and will benefit from consuming more iron because it helps produce red blood cells.
People With Celiac Disease
They also require more iron because celiac disease can cause malabsorption of nutrients, including iron, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease
People Who Do Vigorous Exercise
During intense exercise, blood loss can occur through sweat, gastrointestinal bleeding, and hemolysis in the form of red blood cell destruction. Therefore such individuals need to take liquid iron supplements.
People With Weight Loss Surgery
People who have weight reduction surgeries may require more iron because they frequently become deficient after such procedures.
How Much Iron Do I Need?
It’s important to note that the recommended amount of iron you need changes as you age. The current recommendations for iron intake are as follows:
- Infants 0-6 months: 0.27mg/day (adequate intake)
- Infants 7-12 months: 11mg/day (adequate intake)
- Children 1-3 years: 7mg/day (RDA)
- Children 4-8 years: 10mg/day (RDA)
I hope you found the information helpful, and try considering iron supplements to keep yourself healthy from today!
