Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Benefits of Iron Supplements

There are so many benefits of Iron Supplements, Iron is an essential mineral that is necessary for life and has a number of important functions. Iron helps our muscles store and use oxygen, and, as part of the protein hemoglobin, iron helps carry oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. iron is a key for making of red blood cells, which carry oxygen.

When we don’t have enough iron we may develop  Anemia, which results when the body has too little hemoglobin, and physical symptoms of iron deficiency begin to appear.

Iron deficiency Symptoms


  • Feeling weak and fatigued
  • Difficulty maintaining body temperature
  • Decreased immune function
  • Decreased work and school performance
  • Slow cognitive and social development during childhood
  • An inflamed tongue

  • For most people, a good diet provides enough iron. Natural food sources of iron include:
    • Meat, fish, and poultry
    • Vegetables, like spinach, kale, and broccoli
    • Dried fruits and nuts
    • Beans, lentils, and peas

    How much iron should you take?

    The recommended dietary allowance includes the iron you get from both the food you eat and any supplements you take.
    Category
    Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA)
    CHILDREN
    7-12 months
    11 mg/day
    1-3 years
    7 mg/day
    4-8 years
    10 mg/day
    9-13 years
    8 mg/day
    FEMALES
    14-18 years
    15 mg/day
    19-50 years
    18 mg/day
    51 years and over
    8 mg/day
    Pregnant
    27 mg/day
    Breastfeeding
    Under 19 years: 10 mg/day


    19 years and over: 9 mg/day
    MALES
    14-18 years
    11 mg/day
    19 years and up
    8 mg/day

    Take iron supplements with a full glass of water or food. Strict vegetarians may need to take in higher levels of iron.

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