Why Is Iron So Important?
Iron is a mineral that’s essential for many important body functions including:
• Oxygen transport - Iron is necessary for the formation of two molecules: hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the body’s tissues; and myoglobin, which is involved in the transport and short‐term storage of oxygen in muscle cells.
• The production of energy - Iron is needed for the activation of a key enzyme (aconitase) involved in energy production from carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
• Brain and nerve function - Iron is an essential co-factor in the synthesis of brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.
• Immunity - Sufficient iron is required for several immune functions
When we don’t get enough iron, many parts of our bodies will be affected and a number of associated signs and symptoms may include:
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Reduced endurance capacity during exercise
• Decreased general health and well-being
• Difficulty maintaining a normal body temperature in a cold environment
• Pale mouth and nail bed
• Brittle hair
• Impaired mental function
• Poor immune defences
Some people are at higher risk of iron deficiency include:
• Adolescents — As they have increased iron requirements due to rapid growth.
• Women who have heavy periods — As they lose quite amount of iron regularly.
• Women who are pregnant — As they have increased iron requirements due to rapidly expanded blood volumes and the growth of the fetus.
• Vegetarians and vegans — As iron from plants is less efficiently absorbed than that from animal sources.
Why Is Iron So Important?
Iron is a mineral that’s essential for many important body functions including:
• Oxygen transport - Iron is necessary for the formation of two molecules: hemoglobin, which transports oxygen to the body’s tissues; and myoglobin, which is involved in the transport and short‐term storage of oxygen in muscle cells.
• The production of energy - Iron is needed for the activation of a key enzyme (aconitase) involved in energy production from carbohydrate and fat metabolism.
• Brain and nerve function - Iron is an essential co-factor in the synthesis of brain chemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.
• Immunity - Sufficient iron is required for several immune functions
When we don’t get enough iron, many parts of our bodies will be affected and a number of associated signs and symptoms may include:
• Fatigue
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Reduced endurance capacity during exercise
• Decreased general health and well-being
• Difficulty maintaining a normal body temperature in a cold environment
• Pale mouth and nail bed
• Brittle hair
• Impaired mental function
• Poor immune defences
Some people are at higher risk of iron deficiency include:
• Adolescents — As they have increased iron requirements due to rapid growth.
• Women who have heavy periods — As they lose quite amount of iron regularly.
• Women who are pregnant — As they have increased iron requirements due to rapidly expanded blood volumes and the growth of the fetus.
• Vegetarians and vegans — As iron from plants is less efficiently absorbed than that from animal sources.
Recommended Products
