Iron is a mineral that is found in every cell in the body. Iron is used by blood cells to carry oxygen to all cells in the body. Enough iron helps us fight infections because it keeps the immune system healthy and it also helps brain cells work normally. Furthermore, if we are lacking in iron we get tired much more quickly, as our overall endurance is severely compromised.
Symptoms of iron deficiency are tiredness, depression, limited attention span, difficulty focusing, hyperactivity, poor mental ability, lack of appetite and just in short you always feel under the weather. It is not nice and completely unnecessary! Latest research indicates that children with ADHD are often lacking in iron and start being able to concentrate better when they are given iron supplements. But this is best done with the help of your doctor and blood examples.
In short:
Iron assists the transport of oxygen around the body
Iron helps fight infection
Iron is used in energy production
Iron deficiency is the one of the most common nutritional deficiency in the world (along with Vitamin-D deficiency). Iron deficiency can be caused by several factors including not getting enough iron in ones diet, not absorbing iron properly and losing blood from injury or illness (and losing blood through menstruation each month does not help either). Without adequate iron red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen to other cells in the body.
You will find fair amounts of iron in all very dark green salad/leaves, broccoli, bok Choy, red beets, whole grains, dried apricots, prunes, raisins, linseeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, lentils, beans, almonds, berries, yolk and red meat.
Beware of iron supplements. Child only needs to swallow a few of them for it to be life threatening. Always keep iron supplements/fluids safe away from children’s reach.
After a child turns one you can buy iron rich fluids in health stores that are made using only natural ingredients and are thus easy on the stomach. I highly recommend those if your child is lacking in iron or you yourself (check with your doctor first). I have successfully used Floravital, Ferroglobin and Spatonix for example.
♥ Vitamin-C increases iron absorbtion.
♥ Calcium and caffeine block iron absorbtion.
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