All You Need To Know About Iron Supplements

Have you felt tired lately? Are you not able to climb the stairs non-stop even though you are physically fit?

If this is happening to you, then you have an iron deficiency, especially if you are a woman. However, many people do not consider iron to be a great nutrient. You will be surprised to know that iron is found to be the most common deficiency in people of America. It is deficient in about 10% of women.

It is a nutrient that keeps our body healthy and full of energy. Symptoms like poor concentration, frequent illness, and tiredness are due to the low level of Iron. Its deficiency can be spotted in the early stages. A great way to resolve this problem is to include Iron supplements in the diet. Iron supplements help in treating Anemia (a deficiency caused to iron-deficient people). Mostly we get all the iron from our diet. Yet some people still have iron deficiency, which is not even met by our diet. Anemia is common in women and men. It occurs in 5% of women and 2% of men. Kids aged 7 to 12 months old; 11 mg/day and

For children aged 1 to 13 years: 7 to 10 mg/day is the required dosage of iron supplements for kids.

Why is there a need for Iron Supplements?

The use of iron supplements should be vetted by a Doctor or a healthcare professional. It should be noted that no supplement is used to cure, prevent or treat any kind of disease.

They only work to fulfil the low iron level that in turn helps in reducing the symptoms of low levels of iron. Also, it helps to avoid complications that occur due to anemia. It does not have the advantage in the bodies of the people who do not have iron deficiency. Iron supplements for women are commonly recommended by a healthcare professional.

A. Anemia

Iron is an essential mineral. It helps in transporting oxygen throughout the body. It is considered an important component of hemoglobin. It is present in RBCs (red blood cells) that transfer the oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. It carries two-thirds of the body’s iron. If you do not possess the required amount of iron, it is not possible for the body to make healthy oxygen-carrying RBCs. Lack of RBCs leads to anemia. The deficiency of iron can cause a heart murmur, enlarged heart, arrhythmias and heart failure if not treated timely. It can also cause fibromyalgia. Iron supplementation helps in improving the level of iron which decreases the condition of anemia. Health care professionals recommend iron supplements for anemia.

B. Performance of the Athletes

It is required to make myoglobin protein. This protein transfers oxygen to the muscles. Most athletes have insufficient intake of iron from their diet. It also supports the performance of the athlete. Although, athletes who take part in cycling events or marathons are more prone to lose more iron. In addition to this, females who are vegetarian are at higher risk for anemia and iron deficiency. They should ensure that their diet includes the required amount to support their best performance.

C. Fatigue

It helps in managing fatigue who have a low ferritin level. Ferritin is an indicator of iron stores. During the reproductive years, it is quite common. Daily supplementation of iron helps in minimizing fatigue in mensurating women. If your body does not have healthy RBCs (red blood cells), your body will not get the required oxygen. This will make your body fatigued. The exhausted body will affect the functioning of your body and immune system. It will also decrease the ability to ward off infection. Pregnant women who have severe iron deficiency are at risk of having a baby too early. It is also responsible for maintaining the healthy cells, skin, hair and nails in our body.

D. Restless Leg syndrome

It is a condition in which people have an uncontrollable urge to more their legs at night. It disturbs sleep too. It occurs due to the low level of iron in the brain.

E. Drop in Cognitive level

The level of cognition drops due to the iron deficiency. In reality, concentration and attentiveness get affected immediately. The restoration of the iron level helps in improving concentration and raises cognitive performance.

Phases of Iron Deficiency

It is one of the most common deficiencies of the nutrient. The phases are as follows:

A. Decrease in the level of iron storage in the body results in a low serum ferritin level.

B. The supply of iron required for erythrocyte production decreases but blood hemoglobin level remains unchanged.

C. When the storage of iron depletes, it results in anemia with small RBCs and low hemoglobin levels.

Side Effects of Iron

1. It can cause vomiting, stomach pain and nausea.

2. Constipation is another side effect. Make sure you take enough fibre and water in your diet.

3. Another side effect is Hemochromatosis. It is a genetic disorder caused by the building up of iron in the body. You should avoid supplements if you have this genetic disorder.

Read : How To Maintain An Optimum Level Of Gaba In Our Body?

Wrapping up!

It is a mineral required in your body to keep your body healthy. If iron deficiencies are not treated on time, it can lead to anemia. Make sure you do not take these supplements if you are not deficient or anemic. Take assistance from the doctor to take the dosage as prescribed by him.