Description
Iron is a mineral element that occurs naturally in soil and our resulting food supply. This mineral is most concentrated in the blood, where its main functions are in the production of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells) and myoglobin (a similar molecule to hemoglobin occurring in muscle cells).
This mineral is required for energy production and promotes resistance to disease by maintaining a healthy immune system. Iron is also essential for the proper growth of children, promotes a healthy skin tone and helps prevent brittle nails.
Heavy perspiration and exercise can deplete the body's iron stores.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Iron helps prevent and treat iron-deficiency anemia. Symptoms include pale skin, dizziness, abnormal fatigue and shortness of breath. Other symptoms of iron deficiency include hair loss, nervousness, obesity, ulcers, long-term illness and constipation.
Iron can be used to treat fatigue and weakness. Even a slight iron deficiency can cause a reduction in physical work capacity and productivity.
Iron is also useful for some digestive problems, colitis, alcoholism and menstrual problems.
Source
Good sources of iron include liver, red meat, egg yolks, oysters, clams, green leafy vegetables, almonds, avocados, dates, beans, lentils, peaches and pears.
Kelp, in particular, provides 100mg iron per 100g serving.
Optimal Absorption
If supplementing, take iron chelate for best absorption. This is a non-constipating form of iron and prevents stomach upset. Copper cobalt, manganese, and vitamin C are necessary for proper iron absorption.
Substances that interfere with iron absorption include phytates, found in whole wheat breads, and phosphoproteins, found in eggs. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetylsalicylic acid increase iron loss via gastrointestinal bleeding. High intakes of calcium, magnesium and zinc can also interfere with iron absorption.
The following is a list of United States 1989 Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) for minimum nutritional iron intake and are included as a guideline only. These values are considered too low for most individuals, according to better nutrition authorities today. Consult with your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner for a dosage appropriate for your needs. Children under 6 years of age should be under the supervision of the above mentioned specialists if directly supplementing with iron.
Infants 0 - 5 months, 6mg6 - 11 months, 10mg
Children
1 - 3, 10mg4 - 6, 10mg7 - 10, 10mg
Males
11 - 14, 12mg15 - 18, 12mg19 - 24, 10mg25 - 50, 10mg51+, 10mg
Females
11 - 14, 15mg15 - 18, 15mg19 - 24, 15mg25 - 50, 15mg51+ years, 10mg
Pregnancy
30mg
Lactation
1st 6 months, 15mg2nd 6 months, 15mg
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Excess iron intake can cause free radical damage (oxidative stress) and increase vitamin E requirements.
Children under 2 years of age should take iron only under the supervision of a nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner.
Ailment / Situation Listing
All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
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