Iron
Iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and is also an important component of metabolic processes.
Iron is one of the most important minerals that our body needs every day for normal functioning.
Unfortunately, the lack of this particular mineral is the most common problem, especially among young children and women of childbearing age.
If there is a lack of iron, one may suffer from anemia, which is an indication for taking special mineral complexes. They are often used to prevent iron deficiency.
Pills with Iron: Main Benefits? 
The main task of iron is to provide the body with oxygen. Thanks to iron, each cell receives the necessary oxygen for its work. After all, iron binds to hemoglobin that is a protein that just plays the role of oxygen transport. This is why two-thirds of all the iron in the body is found in hemoglobin.
Thanks to iron, our bodies can develop and grow properly. It is an important component of metabolic processes and is involved in the formation of red blood cells.
Improving brain activity also lies within the responsibilities of iron. Since the brain uses 20 percent of the oxygen that enters the body, iron directly affects its work. By supporting brain function, one can easily increase its cognitive function and prevent the development of dementia and other senile diseases.
Iron also helps in the fight against chronic fatigue, since one of its symptoms is a decrease in the level of oxygen in the body. Iron does not allow this process to develop or helps to cope with it if there is already anemia.
As a participant in the formation of red blood cells, iron helps to strengthen the immune system, helping the body to repel the attacks of viruses and other foreign microorganisms.
Almost all complexes of vitamins and minerals in sports nutrition contain iron.
Iron supplements: Who should take them?
- Women during menstruation: Blood loss can lead to iron deficiency, so women often benefit from iron supplements.
- Pregnant and nursing women: During this period, women need additional iron to maintain their and their children's health.
- Vegetarians and vegans: Iron absorption from plant sources is low, so those who don't consume meat may need iron supplements.
Iron supplements and why take them when dieting
Restrictive diets can help you lose weight and achieve your lifestyle goals. However, they can also cause iron deficiency. Iron is an important micro element involved in transporting oxygen to tissues and ensuring normal metabolism. When you limit your intake of foods high in iron, your body's iron levels may decrease, which can lead to various undesirable consequences.
Here is why dieting may cause iron deficiency
- Limited meat consumption: Meat, especially red meat, is a rich source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body. Therefore, vegetarians and vegans may experience iron deficiency.
- Limited iron absorption from plant sources: Some plant foods contain iron, but it is less well absorbed. Thus, if your diet is plant-based, you might face iron deficiency.
- Calorie deficit: By reducing caloric intake, you may decrease dietary diversity, lowering the amount of iron you get from food.
Iron supplements may benefit people on restricted diets by providing the body with additional iron for maintaining normal haemoglobin and energy levels.
Iron for anaemia
Anaemia is a medical condition characterized by decreased haemoglobin levels in red blood cells or a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body. Haemoglobin is an iron-containing protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs. Decreased haemoglobin levels can lead to insufficient oxygen supply to cells, which in turn can cause various symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue: Constant fatigue and weakness are some of the most common signs of anaemia. Organs and tissues don’t receive enough oxygen to maintain normal function.
- Pallor: Haemoglobin affects the colour of red blood cells, and low haemoglobin can cause pale skin and mucous membranes.
- Elevated heart rate: Your body may try to compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing your heart rate.
- Feeling cold: Patients with anaemia may constantly feel cold due to a lack of oxygen, which is the body's source of heat.
- Decreased physical activity: Fatigue and weakness can reduce physical activity and impair quality of life.
Anaemia is often treated with iron supplements. Iron is a key component of haemoglobin synthesis. Iron supplements allow the body to restore normal haemoglobin levels in red blood cells. Consequently, anaemia symptoms are eliminated as oxygen is supplied to organs and tissues.
Please remember to consult your doctor before taking iron medications.