Iron deficiency was something I thought only happened to older people until I was in University. A combination of poor diet, sleepless nights and not enough exercise led to the discovery that I was iron deficient. I found out when I went to donate blood and I didn’t have high enough iron levels to donate. Had I not gone to donate blood I may not have known until my yearly medical with my doctor.
Iron Deficiency is caused when the body has an insufficient supply of iron. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Preventions (CDC), Iron Deficiency is the most common nutritional deficit in the world, and it’s the leading cause of anemia ( the most severe form of the condition). Symptoms of Iron Deficiency are often brushed off, or even go unnoticed because they are symptoms many of us experience in our busy lives – fatigue, . Early detection of Iron Deficiency and treatment is important to avoid Iron Deficiency Anemia. It is hard to believe in today’s society that UNICEF estimates that four to five billion people around the world suffer from Iron Deficiency and two billion are anemic.
If you’re high risk or experiencing symptoms of Iron Deficiency, consult your doctor as early as possible to identify and help treat it through supplements, iron rich foods, and by avoiding iron inhibitors.
Curious If You Are Getting Enough Iron?
FeraMAX® partnered with registered nurse and blood specialist, Leona Dove, to create The Iron Maiden – an online resource where your readers can learn more about Iron Deficiency, symptoms and treatment options.
There are two types of iron found in food. The first is Heme iron, which comes from meat, poultry, and fish, is easily absorbed by thebody and is less affected by the other foods we consume. Non-heme iron, which comes from plant sources, like fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, are better absorbed by the body when consumed with vitamin C or animal tissue. Keep in mind that eating non-heme iron with foods containing oxalates or polyphenols (such as coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate) can impair the absorption of iron. Also, consuming calcium-rich foods with both heme or non-heme iron can impair absorption.
Whether you or your children are picky eaters there are great solutions for supplements. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about taking an oral iron supplement, such as FeraMAX® 150 and FeraMAX® Powder, which provide an excellent source of iron in Polysaccharide-Iron Complex (PIC) form, by working with your body to correct low iron levels with limited side effects. Plus, the children’s iron supplements are available in suspension, syrup, drops, and powder, like FeraMAX® Powder, so they can easily be added to water, juice, soft food or even powdered cereal.
Do you think you might be iron deficient? Check out The Iron Maiden
DISCLOSURE: This post is sponsored. All products mentioned and reviewed on this page are compliments of FeraMAX®. All opinions of the products are my own.
I’ve had to take iron supplements since having my kids, and I get bloodwork every 6 months to monitor the levels. It’s really incredible how CRUMMY you can feel when your iron levels are low. So important to make sure you keep the levels up and not go too low or too high.
Brandi recently posted..La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ & GIVEAWAY
Good for you for staying on top of your iron levels. So important!
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Are You Getting Enough Iron? #IronDeficiency
I have to take iron supplements too. When I was pregnant (both times) my iron levels dropped dangerously low so now I am very careful about it!
Elizabeth L recently posted..Every Little Thing: Based on the song ‘Three Little Birds’ by Bob Marley by Cedella Marley
Iron deficiency runs in my family and I’ve been taking iron supplements for many years. So important to keep your iron levels in check
Cheryl recently posted..Disney’s All Star Sports Resort Review
Great post Kerrie! Thanks for sharing this info. I’m extremely anemic, to the point that I have to get iron transfusions. No fun. :(
Crystal @ Sew Creative recently posted..Back-To-Basics: How To Make Chicken Bone Broth In Your Crockpot
I know that my mom is iron deficient, but I never really thought about it. I should look into this.
I already know I don’t get enough iron, I am anemic. I try to take vitamins as often as I can though.
Dawn Mcalexander recently posted..Got Snow? Warm Up With This Irish Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
For some reason, I never think about my iron levels. I really should start to, it’s very important!
Jenny Temcio recently posted..Got Snow? Warm Up With This Irish Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
I didn’t even think about iron being in fruits and veggies. I think the easiest way to get iron to children is by way of food.
Stacey- Travel Blogger recently posted..Comment on St. Patrick’s Day Free Printables and Home Decor Ideas by Brittany
My iron levels are always right on the cusp of being too low. I hadn’t realized there were foods inhibiting my absorption. Gah, not sure I can give up coffee!
Crystal recently posted..Oats Made Great Sweepstakes
Yes, coffee is a hard one! I don’t give it up but I try to limit how much I drink.
My doc is always amazed that my levels in all vitamins etc are always very good. I seem to know when my body is getting low and start to crave a food item which will bring it back into line.
Michele recently posted..Book Review-Skeletal-Katherine Hayton
This is such great information and reminds me to get a check up. I get low on iron on occasion.
Michelle F. recently posted..Chipotle Fried Shrimp with Tostones Vinagreta
I have to take iron supplements too and I can really tell when my levels are low.
Brittany recently posted..Bulking Up Meat Loaf with Veggies
I had an Iron deficiency when I was expecting my first child (27 years ago). I have been very careful ever since!
Definitely an important question to ask yourself. Admittedly, I don’t really think about my iron too much, but it’s always a good idea to make sure your body is getting enough of what it needs. Thanks for this reminder.
Holly @ Woman Tribune recently posted..LEGO: DC Comics Super Heroes: ‘Justice League vs. Bizarro League’ DVD/Blu-Ray Giveaway #JusticeLeague #BizarroLeague
I am anemic at times. I sometimes have to take iron supplements, but I try to get my iron from natural sources like Spinach, which I love.
Christine T recently posted..Hemp-Flax Granola Bar Recipe
I was just talking about this with my daughter. She struggles with keeping enough iron in her diet since she’s on a strict fitness-prescribed diet. She just added supplements since she was getting anemic.
Liz Mays recently posted..Mexi-Mac Tostada Bowls
Iron isn’t something I think about – but I definitely should!!