Iron is an essential mineral used to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. It is also necessary for the growth of new cells and brain development.
Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and the leading cause of anemia. If left untreated, anemia can cause serious health problems, especially for women and young children.
However, there are several chewable iron supplements for adults, kids and women available, which can help to maintain the optimum iron level in your body.Â
Know The Signs Of Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency often starts with a lack of iron in your diet but can quickly turn into a bigger problem, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, headaches and pale skin.
What Is Low Iron?
Iron deficiency is most common among adults and women because they have higher iron needs than others. Because they are growing or menstruating. But, it doesn’t mean that men can’t be iron deficient as well. They simply have lower iron needs than others. You may be at risk for low iron if you:
- Are a woman who loses a lot of blood during menstruation
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have gastrointestinal problems that reduce iron absorption.
Understanding Anemia
Anemia — a term which describes when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells — is perhaps the most well-known outcome of iron deficiency. However, iron deficiency and anemia are not synonymous. While they are strongly linked, they are different conditions.
Anemia occurs when the blood is low on red blood cells — or hemoglobin — which is what gives blood its red color and helps keep our organs and tissues healthy and working properly.
How Much Iron Do We Need?
The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for iron varies based on age and sex. Women ages 19–50 need 18 mg each day, while men need 8 mg. Pregnant women need 27 mg per day (9).
After age 50, the RDA for both men and women drops to 8 mg daily.
Unfortunately, many people don’t get enough iron in their diets. According to the research, 2% of teenage girls and 15% of women between ages 15 and 44 are anemic due to iron deficiency. Pregnant women are also at increased risk.
Under certain circumstances, a supplement may be necessary to prevent or treat iron deficiency anemia. For example, a doctor may recommend iron supplements for those who have undergone surgery or have suffered heavy blood loss because of pregnancy or childbirth.
These supplements are available in different forms like chewable iron supplements for adults, liquid iron supplements, gummies, capsules, pills, etc.
Getting Enough Iron Through Diet
Iron is found in a variety of foods, though it’s best absorbed from animal sources, such as meat and fish. To increase the amount of iron you get from plant-based foods, eat them with foods rich in Vitamin C.
Foods To Eat With High Iron Levels
1. Red Meat, Poultry & Seafood: These are good sources of heme iron, which is better absorbed by the body than non-heme iron (found in plants). This includes egg yolks, organ meats (liver), clams and oysters, dark meat (chicken thighs and turkey thighs), lean meats (ground beef and steak), and salmon.
2. Beans: Beans are high in fiber and contain almost no fat. They also have a high level of protein and are low in calories. Apart from this, there are several more such as:
- Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
- Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots.
- Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
- Peas.
Which Are The Best Iron Supplements Brands?
Undeniably, there is no guarantee that the supplements that work for one person will also work for the other person as well. Because, we have different health issues and we all have different immunity levels. Although, there are several popular iron supplements brands like Novaferrum, Garden Of Life, etc. But it is suggested to consult your doctor before purchasing any supplements. These are the experts who recommend you the ideal iron supplements according to your health factors.
I hope you find all the information discussed in this article useful. To know more about iron supplements, and iron deficiency, stay tuned!
