What is it?
Iron is a trace mineral that is part of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. It is also found in myoglobin which stores oxygen in the muscles to use for energy production.
Function |
How it helps |
|---|---|
| Blood building |
Iron is the main component needed for the manufacture of haemoglobin, the pigment accounting for the colour of red blood cells. Haemoglobin is comprised of an iron compound combined with a protein, and is the means by which oxygen is transported through the body. |
| Essential coenzyme | Iron-dependent enzymes influence energy utilisation and metabolism and the synthesis of collagen, brain neurotransmitters and DNA. Many symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, such as fatigue, weakness and apathy, are associated not only with cellular oxygen depletion, but also the reduced energy production and metabolism due to enzyme deficiencies. |
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What is it used for?
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|---|---|
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Iron deficiency anaemia |
Excessive loss of blood |
|
Fatigue (if iron deficient) |
Weakness (if iron deficient) |
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Heavy periods |
Restless legs syndrome |
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Pregnancy |
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Best food sources
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|---|---|---|
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Liver |
Red meat |
Blackstrap molasses |
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Raisins |
Prunes |
Pumpkin seeds |
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Almonds |
Cashews |
Legumes |
| Fresh dates | Watercress | Yeast extract |
Deficiency Symptoms |
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|---|---|---|
|
Iron deficiency anaemia |
Cracked tongue/lips | Listlessness |
| Chronic infections | Fatigue | Weakness |
| Facial pallor | Impaired mental development in children | Heart palpitations |
Supplementation dosage range
10-25mg per day
Other information
Iron deficiency is common in the following groups, if you think you may be deficient, you should have a blood test.
- Vegans and vegetarians
- Pregnant women and babies
- Women with heavy periods
- The elderly
- Athletes and those on a weight loss diet
- Anyone with pile, bleeding gms or gastric inflammation.
Taking extra vitamin C can help with the absorption of iron.
Cautions
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Iron supplements may cause constipation, diarrhoea, nausea or irritation to the stomach. Such gastrointestinal symptoms are common with iron administration even when doses are not high, especially when taken in the inorganic form (i.e. ferrous sulfate). In most cases, such problems can be avoided by taking iron in the bisglycinate form. The absorption of iron bisglycinate is also superior to ferrous sulfate.
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Iron supplements are not recommended in patients taking the drugs allopurinol, penicillamine, warfarin, fluoroquinolone antibiotics or tetracycline, unless on the advice and under the strict monitoring of a doctor.
- Iron is toxic if taken at high doses. Levels of 20mg per kilo of bodyweight cause acute toxic symptoms in infants and supplements should be kept well out of reach of children.
- The upper safe limit for short term us is 15mg and for short term use is 80mg.
Factors which deplete levels, impair absorption and/or inhibit activity: |
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|---|---|---|
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Tea and coffee |
Milk |
Sulfasazine |
| Zinc in high doses | Alcohol | Calcium in high doses |
| Cholestyramine | Phytates (in cereal grains) | Magnesium in high doses |
| Pancreatin | Antacids | |
