An Ounce Of Prevention...

Iron - Why is it Important for Health?

The importance of Iron that is needed to maintain one’s overall health has increased significantly over the last few decades. Iron forms an essential part of the hemoglobin molecule that is molded at the epicenter of red blood cells. Hemoglobin is the key factor that aids in the transport of oxygen from the lungs to every other cell in the organs and synthesis of some hormones and connective tissue.

Primarily, iron is required for the formation of proteins, development of the immune system and differentiation of cells and its intake is highly recommended. Studies show that both men and women over the age of 50 need an intake of about 8 milligrams of iron per day.It is always best to get iron in the body at an early stage before it causes further harm in the future.

According to the World Health Organization, deficiency of iron- popularly known as anemia is the most common disorder affecting at least 30 percent of the world's population. This form of iron deficiency can be well-treated by the usage of iron supplements. These supplements can be in the form of oral capsules or an injection.

Every supplement has different quantities of iron in its contents, so it is important to find out which iron supplement one must use. In the form of a supplement, Iron comes as an individual supplement or is mixed with other forms of minerals and vitamins. Iron supplements are certainly required for people with certain health condition such as anemia but also aids in rectifying many other health-issues.

Iron as a dietary supplement exists as two types: Heme iron and Non-Heme iron. Heme iron is obtained from animal food where as Non-Heme iron is obtained from plant species. If one is unable to meet the suggested daily intake of iron from their diet alone, it is suggested to intake iron supplements to prevent any deficiency in nutrients. Consumption of a source of vitamin C along with an iron supplement helps enhance iron absorption.

Iron is available as various types of dietary supplements. Multivitamin supplements are also combined with iron; especially those intended for women provide about 18 mg of iron. Multivitamin supplements intended for men or seniors normally contain little or no iron.

Generally, the iron supplements include ferrous and ferric iron salts like ferrous sulfate and ferric citrate. Because of the higher solubility, ferrous iron as a supplement is more bio-available than ferric iron. The various other forms of supplemental iron are heme iron polypeptides, carbonyl iron and iron amino-acid chelates. The different forms of supplements consist of varied amounts of elemental iron. Ferrous sulfate has 20% and ferrous gluconate has 12% elemental iron. About 14% to 18% of Americans use iron supplement along with their diet.

The rates of use of iron supplements vary by age and gender.