Iron is a mineral which is essential for the body. It is required for making haemoglobin, which is a protein in our Red Blood Cells. We obtain iron from food, and its deficiency can even lead to various issues, such as fatigue. Also, if iron is consumed in large quantities, it proves to be harmful for the body. It is important for the production of myoglobin as well, and also for the respiratory enzyme cytochrome C. It provides several health benefits. It acts as a support for the immune cells, transports oxygen via haemoglobin for brain function, and provides energy. It also plays a part in muscle function through myoglobin.
You can take iron via food as well as via supplements. Iron in its supplement form is most commonly used for the treatment or prevention of anaemia, which is caused by a deficiency of iron.
Role of Iron Supplements
Iron has a very important role to play in the process of forming blood. It is abundantly found in eggs, beans, peanuts, sesame and dark green vegetables, etc. The iron which is found in the non vegetarian foods is more easily absorbed than that in foods that are plant based. Vitamin C plays an important part here as it helps in the absorption of iron, whereas phytates and tannins hinder the process of iron absorption.
Women need more iron during pregnancy. During that time, a daily diet may not provide enough iron to meet the body's demand. So, they must take iron supplements as prescribed by the doctors. Due to the deficiency of iron, the mother may suffer from anaemia, which can affect the mother as well as the baby. It can impact the weight of both.
Intake of iron supplements with Vitamin C
Often, everyone is advised to take their medicines only with water and not with any other fruit juice or soft drink. Perhaps it is not completely true. A few medicines, such as iron, are required to be taken with fruit juice like orange juice for better effect.
There are two forms in which iron comes:
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Heme iron — Heme iron is the iron which is derived from animal sources.
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Non-heme iron — This type of iron is obtained from plant sources.
Our bodies absorb little amounts of iron, which involves 15 to 35% of heme iron and 2 to 20% non-heme iron. The absorption amount of non-heme iron in our body depends on the presence of specific nutrients. A few of them hinder the absorption of iron, while other nutrients enhance the absorption. When both Vitamin C and iron are consumed together, they form a compound which becomes easier to absorb.
Several fruity juices, specifically orange juice, are rich in Vitamin C. This vitamin plays a significant role in absorbing iron in the body. Also, a lack of Vitamin C can result in anaemia (iron deficiency). Therefore, the doctors suggest taking iron supplements with Vitamin C. For the enhancement of iron absorption, Vitamin C and iron supplements should be consumed simultaneously.
Things to consider while taking iron supplements
These supplements should not be taken with calcium-rich foods like milk or calcium supplements. Calcium interferes with the absorption of iron. So, it is recommended not to consume calcium-rich foods with iron supplements, as iron is difficult to absorb, and calcium slows down the absorption process. Pregnant women should never take both supplements together. You can supplement iron with iron-rich non-vegetarian foods and also with foods which are rich in Vitamin C for improving the absorption. Also, it is best to avoid beverages like tea and coffee with iron because they contain caffeine as well as tannins, which hinder iron absorption.
Conclusion
For buying the best quality supplements of iron, calcium or other nutrients, you must try Hallmark Pharmaceuticals. The best-selling products of the company have earned the trust of many renowned hospitals and healthcare centres. We manufacture our products with much precision, which makes them effective and suitable for almost everyone.
