Iron
See also : Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron is a mineral essential for life. It is present in every living cell and is necessary for the production of hemoglobin (primary component of red blood cells), myoglobin (major protein of muscle cells), and certain enzymes. Iron, along with calcium, are the two major deficiencies of American women (one of the reasons due to menstruation and bleeding), and this deficiency can cause weakness, inability to concentrate, the susceptibility to infection, impaired performance, and in general, ill health. Other people at risk of iron deficiency include dieters, vegetarians and athletes. Calcium and copper must be present for iron to function properly, and ascorbic acid (vitamin c) enhances absorption. Iron is necessary for proper metabolization of B vitamins. Iron helps the blood and muscles deliver oxygen, thus energy, to every body cell, and it removes carbon dioxide from them. Iron is important to many immune system functions, and the body self monitors and regulates the absorption and use of iron for varying needs. Benefits include a strong immune system, provision of energy, and mental sharpness.
Special Precautions of Iron
The benefits of Iron are
- For anemia
- For exhaustion and fatigue
- For immune system
- For protein metabolism
- For respiratory system
- For skin tone
- For energy and mental acuity
- For normal growth and development
- For boosting the body’s metabolism
- muscle health :
- Iron is also used for improving athletic performance (muscle health and fatigue)
- treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- treating canker sores.
- Some people also use iron for Crohn's disease, depression, fatigue, and the inability to get pregnant.
