IRON

Element

Actual Element

The main health benefit of a diet high in iron is the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the principal carrier of oxygen throughout the body and gives the dark red color to blood

BENEFITS

Iron is a vital element for muscle health and is found in myoglobin, a muscle protein.

Our brain uses approximately 20% of the oxygen in our bloodstream. Iron helps supply oxygen to blood making it very important for brain health.

SOURCES

Proper intake of iron can greatly decrease the likeliness of you contracting anemia. anemia is a disease in which your red blood cells decreases greatly and is very fatal if left unattended.

Helps Prevent

Too much intake of Iron can lead to liver defects and much worse; liver failure.

RISKS

Too much intake of Iron supplements can lead to brain damage and other internal organs.Permanently.

Q: What does the body need iron for?

A: Iron is an essential trace element. That means it is vital and has to be absorbed from food. It is involved in many metabolic pathways in the body. As the central atom in haemoglobin (red blood pigment) and myoglobin, it is responsible for the transport of oxygen. Furthermore, it plays an important role in cellular energy supply, DNA synthesis and defence against infections.

F.A.Q

Q: Why do women need so much iron during pregnancy?

A: During pregnancy the required iron intake increases because the placenta and uterus must also be supplied with iron. Furthermore, the foetus develops its own iron store.

Q: How much iron do we need every day?

A: The required iron intake is based on daily iron losses via faeces, urine and sweat and amounts to approximately 1 mg per day. Women also lose blood during menstruation. During growth and pregnancy the required iron intake is higher.