Take the guesswork out of choosing a therapeutic oral iron supplement
We unpack what iron is and does and explain why it is essential for your health.
What iron does
Iron is one of many vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are crucial to good health.1
As well as helping oxygen move from your lungs to the rest of your body, iron also helps your muscles to store oxygen.2 All of which is necessary to support the multi-tasking lifestyle of many Australian women.
Individual needs
Iron is not a set-and-forget mineral that can be taken for granted. You need to consume iron regularly as part of a normal healthy diet, with the amount you need dictated by your gender, stage of life, general health and lifestyle.
It is recommended that pregnant women consume 27 mg of iron per day. Women in their reproductive years (18 mg) need more than post-menopausal women. Men generally need less iron than women (8 mg).3
Types of iron
Iron can be found in a broad range of everyday food types, including meat, vegetables, pulses, grains and fortified foods.
Iron comes in two forms – haem iron and non-haem iron.2
Haem iron comes from meat, chicken and fish and is the easiest to absorb. The redder the meat, the higher the iron content.
Non-haem iron comes from eggs and plants. Good sources include, pasta, bread, iron-fortified breakfast cereals, pulses and green leafy vegetables.2
Find out more about how vegetarians and vegans can get enough iron
Vitamin C
If you want to maximise your intake of iron from the foods on your plate, consider including food high in vitamin C in your diet as it helps absorption. Avoid drinking tea or coffee with your meal as caffeine and tannins can reduce iron absorption.2
Increased need
Some women are more likely than others to experience iron deficiency. But the good thing is that iron deficiency is usually easy to treat. A challenge, however, is that you won’t always have symptoms.2 So, speak to your GP about a blood test if you’re concerned. For example, if you’re pregnant, have heavy periods, are a teenaged girl, have a restricted diet or play elite-level sport.
Conclusion
Your doctor can make a definitive diagnosis and will advise you on the best course of action. If you’re diagnosed with iron deficiency, that may include dietary changes or a therapeutic oral iron supplement such as Ferro-grad C®.
References:
- Ahmed F et al. Iron status among Australian adults: findings of a population based study in Queensland, Australia. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17(1):40-47.
- Gastroenterological Society of Australia. Clinical update – Iron deficiency; 2015.
- Pasricha SS et al. Diagnosis and management of iron deficiency anaemia: a clinical update. Med J Aust. 2010;193:525-532.
- Iron Deficiency. eTG complete; 2016
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