Iron is an extremely important mineral that everybody has. But did you know that you're most likely not getting enough of it?
Calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, broccoli, and even almonds drastically hinder your body's absorption of iron. By eating lots of these foods, you're not doing very much to increase your iron intake.
If your iron intake is dangerously low, you may be at risk for developing iron-deficiency anemia.
Making sure that you're getting a substantial amount of iron is the key to a healthy happy life. One way to increase your body's iron absorption is cutting back on calcium-rich foods, but another way is taking iron supplements.
Continue reading to discover how iron supplements can help you have a healthy happy life!
Who Needs an Iron Supplement?
Although you just discovered that people with extremely low levels of iron may develop iron deficiency anemia, there are many other types of people who could benefit from taking an iron supplement.
However, only people who are deficient in iron should be taking an iron supplement.
The only certain way for you to know if you're deficient in iron is through a blood test administered by your doctor. Your doctor will examine your iron, hemoglobin, and ferritin levels.
Then, they will determine whether you need to simply eat more high-iron foods or if you should begin taking iron supplements.
People who are prone to low iron levels and/or have difficulty maintaining good iron levels in their diets include:
- Pregnant people
- Infants and young children
- People with cancer
- Frequent blood donors
- People who experience heavy menstrual cycles
- Those who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet
- People who regularly partake in heavy exercise
Do you feel like you fit into a particular group here? If so, check out these iron supplements from Vitabiotics.
Benefits of an Iron Supplement
An iron deficiency may lead to something called restless legs syndrome (RLS). One major benefit of taking an iron supplement is that it reduces the symptoms of RLS.
Additional benefits of an iron supplement include:
- Boosted energy
- Enhanced memory and thinking in children with low iron levels
- Improves attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in children who have an iron deficiency
- Reduced pregnancy risks
- Increased blood iron levels
- Treatment of iron-deficiency anemia
Knowing these benefits can truly help you narrow down whether an iron supplement is right for you. Always remember to consult your doctor before choosing an iron supplement.
If you are currently taking an iron supplement, avoid ingesting too much of it.
Because iron supplements contain high levels of iron, you may experience the following symptoms if you go beyond your recommended dosage:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
While these symptoms may seem like nothing, you must take caution when ingesting your iron supplements. Over time, high-dose iron supplementation can accumulate in the brain, ultimately causing cell damage or organ failure.
Live a Healthy Happy Life
Iron supplements are absolutely beneficial to certain groups of people, like those who are pregnant, have cancer, or frequently donate blood.
Boosting your iron levels will make your body realize its potential to live a healthy happy life! But remember to speak with your doctor before deciding to take an iron supplement. You may not need one after all!
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