Iron – 7 Basics To Know (Before Intaking)
October 24, 2022
Feeling tired? Cranky? Short of breath? A surprising cause could be your iron levels. Besides building strong bodies, iron’s involved in a multitude of bodily processes to keep you healthy.
In this Healthy Insight:
- Who It’s For
- What It Is
- Why Do We Need It?
- What Foods Provide Iron?
- How to Use
- Health Benefits of Iron
- Did You Know?
Who It’s For:
Individuals who have tried dietary changes but still have low iron levels, intense exercisers, those with certain medical conditions.
What It Is:
Found mainly in your red blood cells, iron is essential for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a red blood cell protein that carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body.
Why Do We Need It?
Since iron helps build the proteins needed to transport oxygen throughout the body, a person with insufficient amounts would lack energy, have shortness of breath or even feel irritable.
What Foods Provide Iron?
Iron is found naturally in many foods and is added to some fortified products. You can get recommended amounts of iron by eating a variety of foods, including the following:
- Lean meat, seafood, and poultry.
- Iron-fortified breakfast cereals and breads.
- White beans, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, and peas.
- Nuts and some dried fruits, such as raisins
- Spinach and broccoli
How to Use:
Be sure to consult with your health care practitioner prior to adding any supplements to your diet, including iron.
Health Benefits of Iron:
- Forms Hemoglobin. Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. This protein is used to deliver oxygen from your lungs to every part of the body as well as regulate our carbon dioxide. This ensures that your organs, muscles and tissues are performing optimally. Iron also plays a role in many other important chemical reactions in your body.
- Energizes. Iron is a good source of energy. Fatigue and lack of stamina can lead to losing focus and crankiness.
- Boost athletic performance. Since iron moves oxygen through your blood it keeps everything functional and in tip-top shape. Low levels of iron will cause muscle strain and stamina to decline. Whether you’re an athlete, weekend warrior, or just trying to get through the day, having adequate iron is essential to endurance.
- Encourages maximum concentration. As mentioned above, iron affects energy which can lead to lack of focus and concentration. Less oxygen coursing through your body, and your brain, affects attention span and cognitive function.
- Healthy sleep. There is a link between low iron levels and sleep issues.
- Supports immunity. Since iron can help flush out toxins it can also inadvertently combat harmful invaders in your body.
Did You Know?
- Iron is the sixth most common element in the universe.
- The Earth’s core is nearly all iron.
- As an element iron has been known for at least 5,000 years.
- The word “iron” may have come from the Scandinavian “iarn” meaning metal.
- Pure iron is very soft.
- The tallest iron structure is the Eiffel Tower.
- The element symbol for iron, Fe, comes from Latin word for iron, ferrum.
Warning: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six. KEEP THIS PRODUCT OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or Poison Control Center immediately.
