Feeling exhausted lately?
If so, you might be lacking in iron - especially if you're a woman.
Iron is the most common nutritional deficiency, and, almost 10% of women are iron deficient.
Why Do We Need Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral as it helps to transport oxygen throughout the body. It’s an important component of haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lung. Haemoglobin represents about two-thirds of the body’s iron. If iron levels are low, the body can't make enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells. And a lack of red blood cells leads to anaemia.
When the body isn’t getting sufficient oxygen, it becomes fatigued. The resulting exhaustion can affect everything from your brain function to the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. If you're pregnant, severe iron deficiency may increase your baby's risk of being born too early, or smaller than normal. Iron is also necessary to maintain healthy cells, skin, hair, and nails.
After menopause, iron needs drop and at the onset of menopause women need the same amount of iron as men.
You might need iron supplementation if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding;
- Are going through or have gone through menopause;
- Are feeling constantly fatigued;
- Suffer from Fibromyalgia;
- Have kidney failure;
- Have an ulcer, which can cause blood loss;
- Have a gastrointestinal such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis;
- Take antacids, which can prevent your body from absorbing iron;
- Have had weight loss (bariatric) surgery;
- Exercise frequently; or
- If you are a vegetarian or vegan.
How Do You Know If You Are Iron Deficient?
- Experience shortness of breath;
- Fatigue;
- Have a fast heartbeat;
- Have cold hands and feet;
- Crave strange substances such as dirt or clay;
- Have brittle and spoon shaped nails or hair loss;
- Experience sores in the corner of the mouth; and
- Have a sore tongue.
Elixir Compounding Pharmacy specialises in compounding advanced nutrients, including Iron in varying dosages. We develop patient-centred treatment protocols based largely on advanced nutrient therapies. We offer complementary phone consultations where we assess symptoms and recommend an individualised treatment protocol. So, if you or someone you know is iron deficient, contact Elixir today.
