Iron is an essential mineral that is vital for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. It helps combat fatigue while supporting cognitive function, the immune system, physical performance and development of the body. A lack of iron results in tiredness and can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
Why is Iron Important?
Iron is an essential mineral that helps maintain healthy blood to carry oxygen around the body. It is needed to produce healthy red blood cells and for proper haemoglobin function. Haemoglobin is the protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from our lungs around to all parts of our bodies. It transfers oxygen in the blood to our tissues and organs, and then carries carbon dioxide from our organs and tissues back to the lungs. This helps the body to function properly providing oxygen to the muscles and brain to support energy levels, as well as physical and mental performance.
Iron helps combat fatigue, while supporting good cognitive function and the immune system. It is also needed for body growth and development.
A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. With insufficient iron, there would not be enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body, which would result in fatigue and poor wellbeing.
Benefits of Iron
The benefits of iron include:
- Reduces tiredness and fatigue.
- Supports good energy levels.
- Contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin function, which carries oxygen around the body.
- Improves both mental and physical performance.
- Helps normal cognitive function supporting attention span, decision making, reasoning, learning and intelligence.
- Assists with many vital functions within the body.
- Helps the normal function of the immune system.
- Assists with a healthy pregnancy.
- Supports muscle growth and body development.
- Helps with athletic performance.
- Contributes to good health and vitality.
- Supports vaccine efficacy.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency occurs due to inadequate iron intake, where the body does not absorb enough iron for its nutritional requirements. The most common causes of iron deficiency is not eating enough iron within the diet and not taking supplements.
As an essential mineral, iron is required for haemoglobin and to produce red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. Without enough haemoglobin, our bodies including our muscles and tissues will not get enough oxygen and cannot function properly. This can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is characterised by the blood lacking enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues and muscles. This can leave you feeling weak, tired, short of breath and can lead to more serious health issues. Foods high in iron and Iron supplements can be used to help treat iron deficiency anaemia.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Iron is vital for good nutrition and wellbeing. The symptoms of iron deficiency include:
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Shortness of breath.
- Lack of concentration.
- Irritability.
- Pale skin.
- Heart palpitations.
- Pale skin.
- Dizziness.
- Headaches.
- Hair loss.
- Dry skin.
- Poor physical and mental performance.
Some of our products rich in iron include:
Products available online and in-store @kedarhealth
Credit: Beeline Healthcare, Kedar Health and Wellness