Why Women Especially Need To Make Iron Supplements A Part Of Their Daily Heath Regimen

By Mistty P. Nease


In instances where a diet of iron rich foods in not enough, iron supplements can raise iron levels in people suffering from anemia symptoms, and help them to feel normal again. Once they begin showing anemia symptoms, most people's iron levels will return to normal levels within three months once they begin taking supplements. It may, however, take up to a year for depleted iron stores to be restored in their bone marrow.

Iron is a red blood cell protein, which is vital for the body to produce a healthy and functional hemoglobin count. That is because it carries oxygen to all the body's organs and tissue, and helps muscle cells store oxygen for when the body requires it. When the body doesn't have sufficient hemoglobin, (the hemoprotein made up of globin and heme that gives red blood cells their distinguishable color), it is not producing enough oxygen. This kind of disorder is what is known as iron deficiency anemia.

This condition causes weakness, shortness of breath, depression, fatigue, and other symptoms. Physiological symptoms can frequently include brittle finger nails, cold hands or feet, irregular heartbeat, pale skin, and chest pain. Some less common symptoms include pica, a disorder that makes the subject to persistently eat non-nutritional objects. A few other symptoms that might result from an iron deficiency are headaches, tongue inflammation and soreness, lack of appetite, sexual dysfunction, and restless leg syndrome.

Since they lose iron rich blood during their menstrual cycle, women in their childbearing years are more likely to develop anemia and need to be careful. Many women also become anemic during and after pregnancy, since they must provide iron and other nutrients for the baby - which is why many decide to take prenatal vitamins as a preventative measure.

As with any new vitamin supplement, it is vital that women consult a qualified health care professional before taking iron supplements. Because using these supplements can interact with some medications, high dosages are dangerous, and they can cause a variety of side effects including nausea, digestion problems, stomachache, constipation, among others, it is important that women make sure they go to the doctor. Healthcare professionals can perform tests that show a person's iron levels, prescribe an iron dosage to safely bring levels back up to normal, and indicate what a person can do to avoid as many side effects as possible.

This overview of information about iron supplements can help people to understand anemia a little better. That will help them know just what they need to do to address their health concerns and feel better.




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