Iron is an essential mineral that primarily functions in the body as an oxygen carrier. It also plays an important role in immune function, cognitive development, energy metabolism, temperature regulation, and overall performance. It is especially important for children to receive adequate amounts as they are still growing and developing.
Many women do not receive enough iron and may want to talk with their doctor or dietitian about how to work more into their diets or whether a supplement is right for them. However, it is very important to be aware that iron can be toxic if ingested in excessive amounts, which usually happens from unmonitored supplements.
Men are more capable of storing iron because they aren’t losing it in blood every month, so they need less than (pre-menopausal) women do (8 mg a day as opposed to 18 mg). Children’s needs change as they keep growing, so make sure you check with your child’s pediatrician to find out how much they should be getting.
The most readily absorbed iron can be found in animal tissues, specifically liver, lean meat, poultry, seafood, and fish. Other food sources that are high in iron but may not be as easily absorbed include eggs, beans, nuts, spinach and fortified breads, cereals, and flours.
To learn more about ways to incorporate iron into your diet, visit the CDC online.
The Importance of Iron
Many women do not receive enough iron and may want to talk with their doctor or dietitian about how to work more into their diets or whether a supplement is right for them. However, it is very important to be aware that iron can be toxic if ingested in excessive amounts, which usually happens from unmonitored supplements.
Men are more capable of storing iron because they aren’t losing it in blood every month, so they need less than (pre-menopausal) women do (8 mg a day as opposed to 18 mg). Children’s needs change as they keep growing, so make sure you check with your child’s pediatrician to find out how much they should be getting.
The most readily absorbed iron can be found in animal tissues, specifically liver, lean meat, poultry, seafood, and fish. Other food sources that are high in iron but may not be as easily absorbed include eggs, beans, nuts, spinach and fortified breads, cereals, and flours.
To learn more about ways to incorporate iron into your diet, visit the CDC online.