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Iron -- There's Nothing Small About |
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Pregnant women need the most iron to support the growth of a baby. While inside the womb, babies store enough iron for the first six months after birth.
Children and adolescents need enough iron to support their rapidly growing bodies.
Menstruating women in particular have increased iron needs because of regular blood loss, which results in iron loss. After menopause, women have the same iron needs as men.
Endurance athletes may also experience an increased need for iron due to the level of intense exercise, but this should be addressed with a physician.
People with certain diseases may also need to increase their iron intake. Many diseases can affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause poor iron absorption from food into the body. So some people may need to increase their iron intake.
There are two food sources of iron:
Meat contains iron in a form that is most easily absorbed by your body. Your body can absorb non-heme iron but not as efficiently as heme iron.
The trick to absorbing as much iron as possible from non-heme sources is to eat them with a source of vitamin C. That does not mean taking a vitamin C supplement with your meals. It means, for example, squeezing lemon juice on your broccoli. The acid from the lemon juice helps to free up the iron so the body can absorb it.
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From the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 21
When Is a Supplement Necessary?
Most people don't need a iron supplement unless they have an iron deficiency, anemia or other diseases that impair the function of the intestines.
Vegetarians and vegans who do not eat any meat as well as menstruating and pregnant women who think they may not be getting enough iron from their diet might consider a multivitamin that includes iron.
In most cases, it is best to speak with a physician before taking iron supplements.
Excessive iron intake can be toxic. Iron is not regularly excreted from the body in large amounts, so it can easily build up.
Increased iron intake is associated with the risk for increased free radicals, compounds in the blood that damage cells and tissues. Although more research is needed, too much iron may also be associated with heart disease as well.
Be conscious of what you eat and appreciate the importance of the nutrients in your food. You don't have to eat like a lion to get enough iron. Just follow a healthy, balanced diet and chances are you'll get enough.
Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency. If you fall into one of the high-risk groups and think you may not be getting enough iron in your diet, call your physician. He or she can determine if your iron levels are safe. A registered dietician can teach you more about incorporating iron into your diet.
Jenna B. Damareck. B.S. is a Dietetic Intern at Brigham and Women's Hospital. She received her B.S. In Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Vermont
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