Iron

What is Iron?

Iron is an important mineral for human beings, as it plays a critical role in our health and wellbeing. Most people get all the iron they need from a balanced and varied diet. Some of the best sources of iron in food include meat, dark green vegetables, nuts, pulses and eggs.

Iron is important for the formation of haemoglobin which carries oxygen to all body cells. The red corpuscles of the blood need iron for their formation. Growing children and menstruating women and pregnant women need more iron than others. Anyone having an operation or a loss of blood should get additional iron.

Iron is widely used as a dietary supplement ingredient. It has many uses some of which include:

• Iron can help prevent and cure anaemia
• Iron is important for the production of haemoglobin in the blood. It needs Vitamin C, copper and manganese to be present so that it can be absorbed in the body. 
• Iron helps in growth. 
• Iron can help prevent fatigue
  

Iron deficiency can be very serious. Some of the symptoms of lacking iron in your body include swollen ankles, hair loss, pale skin, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, poor memory and anaemia. In some cases it can be life threatening.

Side Effects and Warnings of Iron

Though iron is essential for a healthy, normal individual, there are some serious side effects that can result especially if one takes too much iron.

Many people may experience various gastrointestinal side effects for taking iron supplements such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, dark coloured stools, and stomach distress.

Bluish-colour lips, fingernails, and palms of hands; convulsions (seizures); drowsiness; pale, clammy skin; shallow and rapid breathing; unusual tiredness or weakness; weak and fast heartbeat are some of the late symptoms of iron overdose.

Iron poisoning has been found in children whose mothers have taken too many pills during pregnancy. So if you are pregnant, check with your doctor before taking iron supplements.

Iron supplements should be kept out of reach of children. You should also always consult your doctor before you use any iron supplements.

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