Iron

Functions

Iron is needed for energy production, blood cells, and a healthy immune system and for.

It is also involved in the production of the nonessential amino acid carnitine, and the proper utilization of fat.

Iron In The Body

There are two forms of iron that our bodies absorb - heme and non-heme. There is a unique absorption pathway for heme iron (the form of iron we get from meat), and it absorbs about 10 times more through heme than non-heme. The non-heme pathway is also the calcium absorption pathway, so non-heme iron competes with calcium for absorption. Since calcium is the preferred mineral, it is best not to take calcium close to any non-heme iron supplementation.

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies. It may result from inadequate dietary intake, parasitic infection, poor absorption, or internal bleeding.

Symptoms of insufficient iron can include:

Fatigue and weakness

Decreased ability to concentrate

Increased susceptibility to infections

Depression

Hair loss

Brittle nails

Dizziness

Headaches

Apathy

In children, iron deficiency is associated with learning disabilities and a lower IQ.

Anemia in pregnancy increases the risk of having a premature baby or a baby with low birth weight.

Iron absorption is decreased in people with low stomach acid, which is common in the elderly and those who use antacids frequently. Iron absorption can also be decreased by caffeine and by tannins found in coffee and tea.

If you have a known thyroid disorder it is wise to check iron levels regularly.

Read About Iron During Pregnancy

Food Sources of Iron Include:

Eggs, fish, liver, poultry, almonds, avocados, beets, blackstrap molasses, brewer's yeast, dates, dulse, figs, kelp, kidney, lima beans, lentils, millet, pears, peaches, dried prunes,pumpkins, raisins, rice bran, wheat bran, sesame seeds, soybeans, and watercress.

Herbal Sources of Iron Include:

Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, dong quai, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, horsetail, kelp, lemongrass, licorice, milk thistle seed, mullein, nettle, oatstraw, paprika, parsley, pepermint, plantain, raspberry leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla, shepherd's purse, uva ursi, and yellow dock.

Using Supplements

Most people have best results using elemental iron through ferrous fumarate or ferrous gluconate.

I like

Floradix Iron + Herbs, 17 oz: W Description: The absorption rate of Floradix (liquid iron gluconate) is twenty-five per cent compared solid iron tablets that have an absorption rate of two to ten per cent. Floradix provides maximum absorption by using the most highly absorbable form of iron, iron gluconate. Floradix also contains B vitamins and vitamin C to enhance absorption, herbal extracts to increase digestion, and fruit juices to ensure proper stomach acidity. A twenty milligram dose of Floradix satisfies the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of fifteen milligrams of iron for women of child-bearing age.Iron is essential for hemoglobin formation and for the effective circulation of oxygen throughout the body. Without adequate levels of iron in the blood, one will be left feeling lethargic and tired. Women are more likely to suffer from anemia and low blood-iron because menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding tax their iron stores. Vegetarians are at higher risk of developing iron deficiency and so are those who eat little red meat. The Inside Scoop: Liquid iron gluconate (Floradix) is one of the most reliable and trusted forms of liquid iron world wide. This time tested, non-constipating & well-known liquid iron and vitamin formula helps prevent iron deficiency and will greatly increase your energy, overall health and well being. Nutrition Facts: Serving Size (tsp) 2 Vitamin C (mg) 10 Vitamin B1 (mg) 2.5 Vitamin B2 (mg) 4 Vitamin B6 (mg) 2 Vitamin B12 (mcg) 7.5 Iron elemental 10 Ingredient Details: Aqueous extracts from: carrot, nettle worth, spinach, quitnch roots, angelica roots, fennel, ocean kelp, african mallow blossom, orange peel.Suggested Use: See bottle for suggested use.Warnings: Do not exceed the recommended daily allowance. Hemoglobin levels increase in red blood cells within 2 -3 weeks but it can take approximately 6 months to replenish iron stores to acceptable levels. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

It's good to take Vitamin C with iron to improve absorption.

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The information on this web site is intended for educational purposes only, and not as any form of medical advice. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider.