Iron is an essential mineral, found in every cell of the body.
It is an important component of the haemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen around the body.
If you have too little iron, your body can’t make enough healthy oxygen-transporting red blood cells. The knock on effect is fatigued body, which impacts brain function and immunity. Many people do not get enough iron from the food they are eating.
Iron deficiency anaemia is a very common nutritional deficiency in particular amongst children and women of childbearing age.
If you have heavy periods they can leave you lacking in iron and so can pregnancy as your body requires extra iron for your growing baby.
Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency
Tiredness
Lack of energy
Dizziness
Shortness of breathe
Heart palpitations
Pale complexion
Headaches
Sore tongue
Loss of appetite or nausea
Feeling itchy
Hair loss
Difficulty Swallowing
Mouth ulcers
Nail deformities
Cold or numbness in the fingers and toes due to poor blood circulation
Children may become very tired and have low concentration levels
Heme And Non-heme Iron
Dietary iron comes in two forms: heme iron which is found in animal flesh and non-heme iron which is found in plant foods and dairy products. Research suggests that heme iron is more absorbable than non-heme iron. Non-heme iron is better absorbed along side vitamin C.
Good Sources Of Iron Include:
Meats
Fish
Pumpkin Seeds
Parsley
Almonds
Brazil and Cashew nuts
Dates and prunes
Apricots
Chickpeas
Beans
Peas
Spinach
Fortified cereals
Now you can see why iron is so essential and has a huge impact on your body. Try to include iron rich foods in your diet.
Enjoy your day.