Iron is one of the most essential nutrients for all humans. Iron is found in red blood cells; which is used to produce hemoglobin, and allows the red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Along with this crucial role that iron preforms, there are many others; such as, supporting a healthy immune system, helping with brain development, and helps produce collagen along with other proteins.
Iron is responsible for many everyday functions. If one is lacking iron levels, they may feel fatigued, have shortness of breath, fast heart rate, and an overall feeling of sickness. This type of deficiency is referred to as anemia.
What Causes Iron Deficiency?
Having low levels of iron can be for many reasons. It may be from blood loss, prolonged exercise, or reduced absorption in the intestines. Mensurating women are more at risk for anemia due to the blood loss during their cycle.
In addition to those reasons, iron deficiency can also be found in people who have intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or a history of gastrointestinal surgery, such as bariatric surgery. This is because they may not absorb adequate amounts of iron.
Iron Dosage in Pregnancy
For pregnant women, putting a focus on iron is very important due to the levels of your blood volume nearly doubling during the course of the pregnancy. The average iron dosage for pregnant women is 30 mg. This dosage helps meet the increased volume of the blood, the developing placenta, and growing fetus.
Approximately half of your iron intake will go toward the developing fetus and placenta. The other half will be used to increase the amount of blood in your circulatory system, which will help protect you during childbirth.
It is very important for pregnant women to keep track of the amount of iron they are ingesting for a healthy pregnancy.
Incorporating iron into your everyday routine is essential to live a healthy life while feeling your best.
If you meet the recommended dose of iron and still feel fatigued, give Central New Jersey Acupuncture and Wellness a call to see what Dr. Yuliya can do for you.
