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Lately many companies stress through advertisements the need for supplements for our body, suggesting supplements could help us work through a regular day. Further, supplements are also suggested as common solutions for tiredness and stress or are even recommended as substitutes for certain meals. However, it is very important to make sure we be very careful of what goes in our mouth; simply because an excess of certain vitamins and/or less of another could lead to an overall imbalance. It’s therefore vital for us to recognize the need to certain vitamins first before prescribing to them; this cannot be more true for Iron.

Steps

1. The function of Iron in our body is to transport oxygen to body tissues and pick up CO2 for exhalation. Common sources of Iron in our diet include meat, especially red meat and poultry, seafood, wholegrain breads & cereals and also some green leafy vegetables.
2. The need for iron, however, varies greatly during the life cycle. Some children that grow quickly need more intake of not only Iron but a whole balanced diet. However, Iron being important for our blood system it is also key.
3. The need for iron in women also vary. Women in their pregnancy period need a good supply of Iron, however, should do so only under strict guidance from their doctors. Since iron deficiency is more likely when people lose blood, women loosing excess blood during menstruation periods may also consider taking some mineral intake. It is said that women who are losing blood during their monthly periods are more likely than other adults to develop iron deficiency.
4. An important consideration is for people with medical conditions such as bleeding ulcers or haemorrhoids or other conditions that involve blood loss.
5. Older people need not worry too much though. A researchers at Tufts University revealed that older adults are actually more likely to have too much iron in their bodies. However, it’s worth having timely checks for other deficiencies that come with age such as calcium. At the same time, among older people suffering from malabsorption, Iron might be an important supplement to keep their blood system fit. If the acid is not there, the iron doesn’t get absorbed and we can become deficient.
6. Some people worry of anemia, or an excess lack of iron in the body which they deter from a simple few symptoms. Cautions must be taken, fatigue and weakness for instance are also a result of daily activities or a stressful schedule. People that do require Iron due to anemia usually suffer from a combination all the symptoms including extreme fatigue, pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath, headache, light-headedness, and often cold hands and feet.
7. If you have any of the following medical conditions, consult with your physician before you take iron supplements: kidney infection, liver disease, current or past alcohol abuse, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, allergies, colitis or other intestinal problems, heart disease, or stomach ulcers.
8. Eat healthy meaty food. For vegetarians, spinach, black-eyed peas and molasses are a good option.

Tips

• If you are concerned that you are not getting enough iron, it is highly advised you talk to your physician or doctor.

Warnings

• Do not try to mix too many supplements as it can be fatal, especially for older people.
• A long term use of an iron supplement when it is not needed can also cause significant liver disease, called hemachromatosis.

Related wikiHows

• How to Choose Vitamins and Supplements to Prevent Flu
• How to Decide Which Multivitamins Are Right for You
• How to Take the Right Vitamins for Your Requirements

Sources and Citations

• http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/iron.asp
• http://www.smart-strength-training.com/iron-supplements.html

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