Everything you need to know about and iron deficiency
Iron is an essential mineral which is important for the functioning of the body. Essential minerals are not produced by the body itself, so this must come from outside. For example, from food (in the case of iron) or from sunlight (in the case of vitamin D).
When you are iron deficient, it affects your health and can even lead to health problems. In this blog, learn more about what iron deficiency is, what symptoms you may experience, what foods contain iron and when you may need extra iron.
What is iron deficiency?
The word itself says it all, you don't have enough iron in your body. But what are the consequences of this and what do you need iron for? Among other things, iron is used by your cells in the blood to transport oxygen. For oxygen to circulate in the body, hemoglobin is needed in the cells. To make hemoglobin, the body needs iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. When there is an iron deficiency, it cannot be made properly and affects the oxygen supply in your body. And oxygen is vital for your entire body.
How do you get iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency can have several causes. For example, when you lose a lot of blood (menstruation, blood donation or injuries). An iron-deficient diet also affects the amount of iron present in the body. This applies, for example, to vegetarians or vegans; they have a diet that often contains less iron. In which foods you can find iron, you can read a bit further on. An increased need for iron can also cause an iron deficiency. This can be the case with intense exercise or pregnancy.
What symptoms do you have if you are iron deficient?
When there is an iron deficiency, your body may signal in different ways. You may experience the following symptoms:
- fatigue
- dizziness
- pale skin
- shortness of breath
- palpitations
- hair loss
- brittle nails
- weakened immune system
What foods contain iron?
So iron is desperately needed for a healthy body and its proper functioning. You get iron through food; the body does not make it itself. There are many foods that contain iron. We have listed them here for you:
- red meat
- poultry
- fish
- legumes
- dark leafy vegetables such as spinach & kale
- nuts & seeds
- whole grains
In what cases can you use extra iron?
There is a group of people who have an increased need for iron such as pregnant women, women who menstruate heavily, vegetarians and vegans. Before taking iron, it is wise and important to check your iron levels with your doctor.
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