Monday 5 July 2021

Iron and its importance

image from google

"Iron is important in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.
A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

Good sources of iron
Good sources of iron include:
liver (but avoid this during pregnancy)
red meat
beans, such as red kidney beans, edamame beans and chickpeas
nuts
dried fruit – such as dried apricots
fortified breakfast cereals
soy bean flour

How much iron do I need?
The amount of iron you need is:
8.7mg a day for men over 18
14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 50
8.7mg a day for women over 50

You should be able to get all the iron you need from your daily diet.

Women who lose a lot of blood during their monthly period (heavy periods) are at higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia and may need to take iron supplements.

Speak to a GP or a registered dietitian for more advice.

What happens if I take too much iron?
Side effects of taking high doses (over 20mg) of iron include:
constipation
feeling sick
being sick
stomach pain

Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.

What does the Department of Health and Social Care advise?
Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take iron supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.

Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP."
The above words with relevant links can be seen here

Related Posts
Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency - read it here
Healthy Foods That Are Very High In Iron - read it here

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

32 comments:

  1. Gracias por la entrada tan completa hay que mantener una buena alimentación. Te mando un beso

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  2. Thanks for this interesting post. Its much needed information for everybody out there!

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  3. I hear table spoon of red wine or grape juice is good souce of wine.
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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  4. ...I remember years ago when they sold Geritol for iron poor blood.

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  5. I just recently found out I have too much iron or ferritin levels so I need to go to a specialist and see what is going on

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  6. Beef liver is my favourite meat to get iron.Definitely not going to touch any soya!

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  7. My iron count is on the high side of normal - fortunate given I don't eat meat. I do eat a number of the other sources.

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  8. Thanks for the good advice. Have a great week! Valerie

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  9. I love liver but don't eat it as much as I perhaps should.

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  10. Great information. We ladies need our iron!

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  11. Great interesting for me, I am sadly under pressure.

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  12. I cannot figure out how or why I have suddenly developed anaemia. I have had studies and GI studies done. No cause could be found. I was so surprised when after my scopes to be told I could not leave until I had an iron infusion...

    My mother is chronically anaemic and I feed us both many sources of iron each day.

    Thank you for your advice.

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  13. I cooked us up some steaks, yesterday!

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  14. Good information. Thank you!

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  15. Gusta leeros y se agracecen siempre vuestras informaciones.
    Buen lunes. Cuidaros.
    Un abrazo.

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  16. I have to take extra as I don't absorb very well. B12 as well.

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  17. Great advice and info, thanks for sharing.

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  18. Thanks for the info Jan :)

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  19. Good reminder for us all.

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  20. Oh my gosh...I came to your blog as I was going through to comment and had to laugh...LOWCARB! My dinner yesterday was anything BUT. I did not eat much, I never do but what I ate was prob more carbs then I have been taking in for weeks now....I was invited to my ex boyfriends house to have dinner with him, his wife and friends. She made homemade mac and cheese with heavy cream (oh my), potato salad, pork chops, burgers, hotdogs, ribs, chips and dips, cheese cake and apple dump cake.....I managed to eat my whole burger, taking it slowly. Had a bit or two of tater salad and a BIG helping of mac and cheese...haha....YUM>

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  21. I have always been borderline anaemic, so I'm careful to eat more iron rich foods. Some very useful information. X

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  22. This was quite informative. I learned a lot from this article. Thanks, Jan.

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  23. Good information to know!

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  24. Red wine and liver are good for iron boosts.

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  25. Very interesting post! Thank you Jan! Big Hugs!

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  26. What an informative post.xxx

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  27. Tus reportajes siempre son muy interesantes. Besos.

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  28. Nice informative blog, thanks for sharing.

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The best of health to you and yours.

Eddie