Iron is a mineral that is essential
to the health and functioning of the body. Deficiencies in iron
can have serious consequences for overall health and energy levels.
While iron is, of course, important for both sexes, it is of particular
importance to women, due to certain biological and reproductive
factors. However, world wide, many people do not meet the minimum
suggested daily intake of iron, resulting in a variety of health
problems that range from the mild, which simply increasing the
daily iron intake could remedy, to the severe, which often require
more complex treatments, but could have been avoided by sufficient
daily iron consumption.
Iron serves several purposes
within the body. One of the most important functions of
iron is its
role is oxygenating the blood.
Another essential action of iron is energy metabolism. It
is a factor of the neurodevelopment of babies as they grow
and develop
in the uterus. Iron serves to promote the important functioning
of the body’s immune system, particularly in the production
of the white blood cells essential to fighting infection
and disease. The body needs iron in order to make proper
use of the B vitamins.
Women, because of their role in reproduction, need to be especially
sure that their iron levels are sufficient during pregnancy, as
the health growth and development of their babies depends on it.
Because of blood loss during menstruation, most women need to take
a little extra precaution during that time period to make sure
their iron levels stay at recommended levels.
Iron deficiencies can cause
a variety of health problems. Anemia is by far the most
common, and
results in weakness, fatigue and – to
the detriment especially of school children – an inability
to concentrate properly. Oxygen is one of the most important
life giving forces of the body, and due to the essential
role of iron
in seeing to it that oxygen reaches all parts of the body,
via the blood, general feelings of health and well-being
rely on proper
iron levels.
Dietary supplements that include iron as well as iron enriched
foods play an important role world wide in achieving the recommended
daily iron requirements. However, like any other dietary supplement
or medicine, iron supplements must be used properly to be effective
and to avoid inducing other serious health problems.
An overdose of iron in small
children can be fatal. Always keep iron supplements and
vitamins that contain iron well out of the
reach of children. A reminder for parents who wisely make
use of a daily multivitamin and iron supplement for their
children – if
you are using those brightly colored, cartoon character types,
always be sure to stress to your children that those are powerful
medicines, not candy. That way, if – and mistakes do happen
once in a while – the bottle is accidentally left down and
the child does find it, they are less likely to overdose
themselves with it and more likely to call it to your attention
that you left
it in their reach.
Iron is an essential nutrient
for some of the body’s most
vital functions. For many years, dietary supplements have
been a safe and trusted means of making sure to meet the
recommended daily iron intake levels. When used properly, iron
supplements
are a good choice for helping to keep the body strong and healthy.
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