This isn’t an easy topic to write about nor is it an easy topic to find information about since it’s quite complex. However, we will share with you as much information as possibly can about this subject so that you no longer have any questions left un-answered by the end of this article.
Contents
Iron is important in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.
Recommended Intake
Vegetarians also have different iron requirements. Infants: 0 to 6 months: 0.27 milligrams (mg)
7 to 12 months: 11 mg Children: 1 to 3 years: 7 mg
4 to 8 years: 10 mg Males: 9 to 13 years: 8 mg
14 to 18 years: 11 mg
19 years and older: 8 mg Females: 9 to 13 years: 8 mg
14 to 18 years: 15 mg
19 to 50 years: 18 mg
51 years and older: 8 mg
During pregnancy: 27 mg
When lactating between 14 and 18 years of age: 10 mg
When lactating at older than 19 years: 9 mg Iron supplements can be helpful when people find it difficult to take in enough iron through only dietary measures, such as in a plant-based diet.
Why Do You Need Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to transport it throughout your body. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
A lack of red blood cells is called iron deficiency anemia. Without healthy red blood cells, your body can’t get enough oxygen. “If you’re not getting sufficient oxygen in the body, you’re going to become fatigued,” Thomas says.
“Iron is also necessary to maintain healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails,” says Elaine Chottiner, MD, clinical assistant professor and director of General Hematology Clinics at the University of Michigan Medical Center said in an email intervie.
Why Do People Take Iron?
Don’t try to treat it on your own. Before taking an iron supplement, ask your health care provider if it is right for yo.