Iron Supplements For Women: Separating Fact From Fiction

Tired All the Time? You Might Need More Iron!

Do you often feel exhausted, even after a full night’s sleep? Struggling with brain fog, dizziness, or just feeling “off”? You’re not alone! Many women experience unexplained fatigue, and one sneaky culprit could be low iron levels. Studies have shown that women are at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency (anaemia), affecting up to 52% of expectant women. 1 2 Fortunately, you can manage and overcome iron deficiency by eating an iron-rich diet. Not enough? If that’s not working for you, then another simple and effective solution: iron supplements for women. 

In this blog, we’ll break down why iron is so important for women, the symptoms of iron deficiency, and the best ways to boost your iron levels (both diet and supplements).

Ready to reclaim your energy? Let’s dive in!

What Is Iron?

A crucial mineral for the body, iron plays a central role in many bodily functions. Our body needs iron to produce haemoglobin* and myoglobin**. Without sufficient iron, our body can't produce essential proteins, leading to iron-deficiency anaemia. 3 4 

* protein present in red blood cells

** Protein in the muscles that carry oxygen to the cells in your muscles

Here are some of its key responsibilities:

Oxygen transport: Iron is a key element of haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.5

Energy production: Iron is necessary for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the body.6

Immune function: Iron is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, helping to fight off infections and diseases. 7 8

Brain function: Iron is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, which regulate mood, motivation, and other cognitive functions. 9 10

Connective tissue health: Iron is necessary for producing collagen, a protein that gives structure to skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.

Overall, iron is a critical mineral that supports many aspects of physical and mental health. 

What Is Iron Deficiency?

This is the most common form of anaemia, a blood disorder characterised by a lack of red blood cells. When you don't have enough red blood cells, your body can't deliver oxygen to its tissues, causing a range of health problems.

Factors Leading To Iron Deficiency 

Loss Of Blood

Low iron levels are directly proportional to blood loss. A woman may lose blood in several ways that may lead to low iron levels.

• Heavy bleeding during menstruation and childbirth.
• Conditions like ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease can cause gastrointestinal tract bleeding.
• Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause gastrointestinal tract bleeding.
• Surgeries and traumatic injuries.

Issues With Iron Absorption

Certain health conditions and medications can impede your body's ability to absorb iron, including: 

• Rare genetic disorders that hinder iron absorption in the intestines
• Endurance sports which can lead to iron loss through the gastrointestinal tract
• Intestinal and stomach surgeries, including weight loss surgery
• Conditions that cause excessive red blood cell destruction. E.g.- autoimmune diseases, and inherited blood cell disorders

Signs And Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency

In the beginning, the symptoms are so mild that they usually go unnoticed. However, when the iron deficiency intensifies, then anaemia worsens and symptoms become noticeable. Some of the common symptoms of iron deficiency are 

• Severe fatigue
• Unexplained weakness
• Pale skin
• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath
• Headache and dizziness
• Cold feet and hands
• Inflammation or soreness of your tongue
• Brittle nails
• Hair loss 15
• Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances (ice, dirt or starch)
• Poor appetite

Am I At Risk?

Anyone can have low iron levels in their body. However, the following group of people are at a higher risk: 

• Pregnant and menstruating women
• One who donates blood frequently
• People with problems like kidney failure (they couldn’t make enough red blood cells)
• Premature babies and infants born with low birth weight
• Someone with heart problems

Iron Deficiency - Diagnosis 

If your healthcare provider suspects anaemia, they may order a blood test to check your complete blood count (CBC). This test measures your haemoglobin levels and red blood cell count. Based on the results, your healthcare provider can diagnose anaemia if your levels are below normal.

How Is Anaemia Treated?

It depends on the underlying cause. Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of dietary changes and iron supplements. This may include eating iron-rich foods and oral iron supplements for women, such as ferrous sulfate. In some cases, intravenous (IV) iron therapy may be necessary if oral supplements aren't tolerated. 

Diet - Which Foods Are Rich In Iron?

Got low iron levels? Have an iron-rich diet today, including - 

• Meat: beef, pork, or lamb, especially organ meats such as liver
• Poultry: chicken, turkey, and duck, especially liver and dark meat
• Fish: Shellfish, sardines, and anchovies
• Leafy green members of the cabbage family: Broccoli, kale, turnip greens, and collard greens
• Legumes: Lima beans, peas, pinto beans, and black-eyed peas
• Iron-enriched pasta, grains, rice, and cereals

Recommended Dietary Iron Intake 

* Adequate Intake (AI)

What Are Iron Supplements For Women?

When dietary intake is not enough, then you might have to rely upon iron supplements to meet the daily requirements. The closest advantage of taking iron supplements is that they increase the levels of iron and haemoglobin in your body, and manage the symptoms. As we have mentioned earlier in the blog, ferrous sulphate is the iron supplement that’s recommended for women. 

While picking an oral iron supplement for women, it's essential to check the label for the amount of elemental iron it contains. Elemental iron is the form of iron that your body can absorb. Supplements vary in their elemental iron content, and a higher amount typically means greater iron absorption.

What Are The Different Types Of Ferrous Sulfate?

Ferrous sulfate, a common oral iron supplement for women, comes in various forms. You can choose from: 

1. Tablets: Available in standard or delayed-release formats, with 325 mg being the most common dosage.
2. Liquid: Ferrous sulfate can also be taken as a liquid iron supplement, offered as an elixir or drops.

What Are The Side Effects Of Iron Supplements for Women?

It may lead to constipation. Therefore, to avoid this, drink plenty of water. If need be, you can take a stool softener along with the supplement. Iron supplements can cause several other side effects, including: 

• Heartburn.
• Loss of appetite.
• Stomach cramps.
• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Dark poop (stool).

Conclusion:

As we've explored in this blog, iron supplements can be a game-changer for women struggling with iron deficiency. By understanding the different types of iron supplements for women, their dosage, and potential side effects, women can make informed decisions about their health.

But before starting any supplement regimen, it's essential to check your iron levels. That's where LifeCell's Ayushman Total health package comes in – a comprehensive health screening test that includes iron deficiency testing. It is a proactive step towards taking control of your health. This extensive health checkup includes:

• Iron deficiency testing
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Lipid profile
• Liver function test
• Kidney function test
• And many more

By getting tested, you'll gain valuable insights into your iron levels and overall health. To explore other suitable health packages, visit www.lifecell.in

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.