Iron Supplement Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Iron supplement is a product available in health food stores that can be taken for a variety of purposes. Iron supplements typically come in capsule form to take daily. However, it can also be combined with other vitamins and minerals.¹ Iron is a natural mineral found in many different food types. It’s a natural component of hemoglobin—a type of protein that transfers oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. This makes iron critical to muscle and joint health, metabolism, and building connective tissues.² There are two main forms of dietary iron:²

• Heme: - Comes from meat, seafood and poultry sources.
• Nonheme: - Comes from meat, seafood and poultry as well as plant-fortified sources.

If you aren’t receiving enough iron from these two types of natural dietary sources, then taking an iron supplement is beneficial in preventing an iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is a relatively common health concern, particularly among women. The recommended daily intake of iron for women ages 19-50 years old is 18 mg. For men ages 19-50 years old, the recommended daily iron intake is 8 mg. People over the age of 50 should take 8 mg daily, whether male or female.²

Iron Supplement Health Uses and Health Benefits

Iron supplement benefits include being able to prevent iron deficiency, which can cause a number of health problems. The main iron supplement health benefits include:^{1 2}

• Treating anemia, a natural iron deficiency
• Boosting oxygen circulation throughout the body
• Improving immune system health
• Increasing synthesis of connective tissue
• Boosting metabolism
• Controls PMS symptoms
• Improving synthesis of certain hormones
• Supplementing red blood cell loss

Because of these important benefits, there are many iron supplement uses that can help treat ongoing health conditions. Iron supplement uses include:

• Restless Leg Syndrome - Studies have shown that iron supplements are beneficial to people suffering from restless leg syndrome who are also iron deficient.
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia) - Women with heavy menstrual bleeding can benefit from taking an iron supplement, due to an increased loss of red blood cells during menstruation.
• Anemia - Anyone suffering from anemia should take an iron supplement daily to help increase iron levels and prevent anemia symptoms like fatigue.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - Studies have shown iron supplement benefits in children with ADHD.
• Crohn’s Disease - Iron supplement uses prove to be beneficial for treating symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Iron Supplement Side Effects and Precautions

Iron supplement side effects may include constipation, vomiting, stomach pain and feeling sick when taken in too high of doses. Follow the recommended daily intake to prevent iron supplement side effects.³

References

1. http://www.livestrong.com/article/252367-what-are-the-benefits-of-taking-iron-supplements/
2. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
3. http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vitamins-minerals/Pages/Iron.aspx