Iron is one of the most important minerals for human health and is found in every cell of the body, particularly red blood cells. Here, it forms a major component of haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs and transports it throughout the body. Without it, our bodies wouldn’t receive the essential oxygen they need in order to function properly.
Low levels of iron can be detrimental to our health and if left untreated, can progress to iron deficiency and anemia. This condition is caused by a lack of healthy red blood cells carrying oxygen, often resulting in tiredness, poor concentration, breathlessness, heart palpitations and increased bouts of illness. Iron supplements can be an effective way of treating low iron levels when people are finding it hard to consume enough through diet alone. Discover the benefits of taking iron supplements below.
Energy
Iron is an essential building block for red blood cells and haemoglobin, which carry oxygen to the brain, muscles and body. A lack of iron can cause severe tiredness and poor mental and physical performance, due to less oxygen being delivered to cells and organs. Iron deficiency and fatigue is especially common in women of reproductive age, as iron is lost each month during menstruation. Severe iron deficiency can result in anemia and a significant lack of energy. Supplements can help raise iron levels and improve fatigue associated with anemia.
Athletic performance
Iron deficiency can reduce athletic performance, due to a lack of oxygen-supplying haemoglobin. During exercise, muscle cells require more oxygen in order to function aerobically. Without it, muscles become fatigued quicker and lactic acid begins to build up, hindering endurance capabilities. Iron deficiency is especially common amongst young female athletes and experts recommend they take an extra 10mg a day.
Boosts immunity
Insufficient levels of iron can impair the immune system and increase the risk of illness. This is because haemoglobin is necessary to support the metabolism of immune cells, called T-lymphocytes. These cells are crucial for destroying infected cells, for helping the antibody response to infections, and for remembering infections (immune memory). Haemoglobin also provides oxygen to damaged cells to support repair.
Pregnancy
Red blood cell and haemoglobin production increase during pregnancy, in order to supply the fetus with oxygen and nutrients. Therefore, a higher intake of iron is required to meet this demand and support the production of healthy haemoglobin. Insufficient iron intake during pregnancy may increase the risk for premature births, low birth weight, and impaired cognitive capabilities in children. As iron helps support a strong immune system, low levels may also increase the risk of illness during pregnancy. As a result, it is often recommended that pregnant women take iron supplements.
Obtaining sufficient iron through diet alone can be challenging - especially if you require larger amounts than normal. Iron supplements can help improve physical and mental performance, immunity, energy levels, and support healthy pregnancies. Consider trying our Iron Tablets Complex to boost your iron intake. These vegan, non-constipating tablets have been designed to maximise iron absorption and its utilisation by the body, through the addition of vitamins A, C, B2, B12 and Folic acid.
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