Thursday, April 2, 2009

Who Needs Iron Vitamins?

Iron is an important part of a balanced diet. Well take a closer look at what iron does for us. Who is at risk of iron deficiency and who should be taking iron supplements. You also need to know how to get more iron in your diet.

What is the purpose of iron vitamins for our bodies? Well, it helps to produce hemoglobin and myoglobin, both of which help move and store oxygen in the blood and muscles. Its also responsible for producing energy, when our body doesnt have enough iron, we feel sluggish and tired.

Women have a higher risk of iron deficiency than men because, women lose iron during their menstrual cycle. A balanced diet, rich in iron is needed for all women to avoid deficiency. Also pregnant women require extra iron as well to help the baby grow healthy and strong, but also to keep the mother in good health. A verity of iron rich foods makes for the best and easiest iron rich diet.

Whats the best way to test for iron deficiency? Well the only sure way to know is to go to your doctor and have them run some tests. Because of the negative side effects(such as nausea and constipation) from taking iron supplements, its best to be certain you are deficient first.

If youre asking Do I need Iron supplements? the answer is, probably not.

If you dont have an iron deficiency, you do not need to take iron supplements. In fact taking unnecessary iron supplements can cause you serious harm. In addition to the minor side effects, more serious side effects can occur, this includes diabetes or even cancer. So if you dont need it, dont take it.

There are plenty of great ways to get iron in your diet without resorting to supplements. Many foods, such as beef, poultry and seafood are rich in heme iron, which absorbs the best in our bodies. Other foods, such as dried fruit, broccoli, spinach and red wine contain a less easily absorbed form of iron.

Also, by combining foods that are high in iron with other vitamins, specifically vitamins A & C, will cause your body to absorb more of the iron.

If you're thinking about Iron Vitamins see this informative Iron Vitamin article.

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