Iron is used by the body principally to form hemoglobin and myoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body. It is also used by the body for energy, in enzymes, for growth of tissue and to support the immune system.
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Iron Natural Sources
ww, brewers yeast, rice, pumpkin, blackstrap molasses, soybeans, dandelion, lemongrass, prunes, kelp, avocado, whole grains, peppermint, rose hip, fenugreek, fennel seed, sesame seed and beets.
RDA
18 mg
Deficiency Symptoms
Anemia, dizziness, lethargy, hair loss, brittle hair, ridged nails and headache.
Overdose Symptoms
Lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach upsets, in rare cases convulsions, coma, liver damage and death.
Interactions of Fe element with the body
* Tea and coffee reduce the absorption of iron.
* Do not take with milk, antacids, calcium supplements as it reduces the absorption of iron.
* Consult your nutritionally oriented doctor before taking iron supplements if you have a peptic ulcer, ulcerative colitis or other bowel inflammation, or if you have had haemochromatosis or stomach surgery.
* Iron supplementation should be used in children only under medical supervision, as overdose is common and very dangerous in children.
* Do not take within two hours of tetracyclines (a class of antibiotics), as it will reduce the absorption of both drugs.
* Cholestyramine (lipid lowering drug) reduces the absorption of Fe.
* Do not combine with penicillamine (used for treatment of Wilson’s disease, heavy metal poisoning, kidney stones and rheumatoid arthritis), as it may cause kidney damage.
* Vitamin C is recommended to take with iron as it increases the absorption of it by up to thirty percent.
* Liquid supplement may stain the teeth.
* Avoid taking supplements if you have an infection as it will proliferate the growth of bacteria.
