Women, when they reach the age of 30, feel exhausted and can barely make up the stairs without getting winded even though they are extremely fit. This might happen due to the deficiency of iron in them. Low iron is the most common form of nutritional deficiency that is found in women, and, surprisingly, most of us think that iron is not even a nutrient. According to the statistics, around 10% of women in the U.S are suffering from iron deficiency, and they aren't even aware of it. Therefore, iron supplements for women in their daily diet are a must.
Let us take a look at why is iron is so essential for your body, and what possibly can happen if your body is not getting enough iron:
Why do we need Iron?
It is an essential mineral that helps in transporting oxygen throughout the body. Being a necessary part of hemoglobin, it helps the RBC to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. One-third of the body's iron comprises hemoglobin. If your body lacks iron, it won't be able to make healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
Your body couldn't get enough oxygen without healthy red blood cells. You are going to become fatigued if you don't get sufficient oxygen. Extreme exhaustion may lead to disruption in the brain's functioning and can also affect the immune system's ability to fight against infections.
Women are in dire need of iron when they are pregnant, and if they have an iron deficiency, that may increase your baby's risk of being premature or smaller than normal. Iron does have numerous other important functions, too, which are necessary to maintain healthy nails, skin, and hair.
How Much Iron Does Our Body Need to Function?
How much iron a body needs to maintain the functioning properly depends on your gender, age, and overall health.
Toddlers and Infants: From ages 4 to 8, boys and girls both need 10 milligrams of iron daily.
Teenagers: From 9 to 13, they need 8 milligrams of iron daily.
Adolescence: From the starting of youth, the need for iron in women increases as they lose blood every month during their menstrual cycle. Therefore, from ages 19 to 50 that need to get 18mg of iron each day. On the other hand, men only need 8mg of it.
After the menstrual cycle ends, the need for iron in women drops. After menopause begins, the men and women need the same amount of iron, i.e., 8mg per day.
If you have any of the following, you might need more iron than a normal person:
You are breastfeeding or pregnant.
If you are undergoing a dialysis or have kidney failure.
Have an ulcer.
Had weight loss surgery.
Involve in intense workout sessions.
Have gastrointestinal problems.
How will you come to know you are Iron deficient?
It happens many times that people aren't even aware of the fact that they are anemic until they have severe symptoms. Some appear swollen, and others pale during the severe anemia stage.
Signs and symptoms of low iron are as follows:
Have cold hands and feet.
Shortness of breath.
Having a fast heartbeat.
Sores in the corner of my mouth.
Sore tongue.
Swelling in the body.
If you are dragging and tired, seek medical help immediately.
Do you need an iron supplement?
Sometimes eating a healthy diet with nutrition-rich items may not be enough to fulfill your iron needs. Then you might need supplements, especially for women. Iron supplements for women are essential at the ages of 19 - 50 to have enough iron during their menstrual cycle.
Reference: Everything You Need to Know About Iron Supplements
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