Benefits of Iron for the Body and How to Get It

KOMPAS.com – Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, which makes it an essential mineral for the body to carry oxygen and produce energy.

“If it doesn’t have enough iron, our bodies will not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen which causes extreme fatigue and anemia. “

That’s what dietitian Julia Zumpano says as quoted by the site Cleveland Clinic.

Also read: Excess iron is at risk of causing these 7 diseases

There are also other symptoms that indicate that the body is deficient in iron, including difficulty maintaining body heat, pale skin, dizziness, headaches, and inflamed tongue.

According to Zumpano, the recommended amount of iron for women aged 19-50 years is 18 milligrams a day.

Then, 27 milligrams a day for pregnant women, and nine milligrams a day for breastfeeding women.

Meanwhile, for men, iron is needed as much as eight milligrams a day.

In general, women tend to need more iron to replace red blood cells lost during the menstrual cycle.

The good news is, most people can get enough iron in it food them, especially products animal.

But if you don’t eat meat try eating green leafy vegetables, peanuts nuts, seeds, mushrooms and tofu, “he said.

Also read: Understanding the Importance of Iron for Health

In addition, eating foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, and red peppers help the body absorb iron better.

He added, the main source for always getting iron comes from food, unless doctors recommend otherwise.

“For some people, supplements may be needed, but must consult a doctor first,” he said again.

– .