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3 Surprising Benefits of Iron Supplements

3 Surprising Benefits of Iron Supplements

Help your body get the iron it needs! Here are the 3 most surprising benefits iron supplements can bring.

Medically Inspected by: Caridad Pacheco-Purugganan, MD

Iron is one of the body’s most crucial minerals — without it, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin in red blood cells that allows them to carry out oxygen in the entire body. The result? It will leave you feeling exhausted, affecting everything from basic brain functions down to the immune system’s ability to resist infections.

With that, here are 3 surprising benefits of iron supplements and why you should take them:

Promotes healthy pregnancy

The demand for blood, red blood cells, and iron increase dramatically during pregnancy due to the growing fetus that needs to be supplied with oxygen and nutrients, inside the body. Insufficient iron intake, plus other factors, affect the way the body typically absorbs iron which can eventually lead to iron deficiency and a multitude of other complications that can affect both the mother and child.

Low iron intake increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, low iron stores, and impaired cognitive or behavioral development in infants. Meanwhile, pregnant women may be more susceptible to Iron Deficiency Anemia, and common infections, since iron also supports the immune system.

Research suggests that all pregnant women, regardless of their iron levels, take 30 to 60 milligrams of iron supplements during the entire duration of their pregnancy. In addition to this, try foods that come from animal sources.
Red meats, fish, and poultry are rich in heme iron, which is the type of iron that can be best absorbed by the body. Take it with Vitamin C-rich foods to help aid in absorption.

Helps provide sufficient energy to reduce fatigue

Did you know that iron deficiency is more common among young female athletes, than individuals who do not lead an active lifestyle?

Iron is in charge of carrying out oxygen to the muscles and brain and is vital for both physical and mental performance; a lack of hemoglobin decreases the body’s ability to distribute oxygen to the muscles. That’s why iron deficiency in athletes leads to the decline of athletic performance and stamina and the weakening of the immune system.

Meanwhile, fatigue from iron deficiency is so much more than the usual sleepiness that can come about from life’s daily stressors. It causes unexplainable weariness that affects an individual’s quality of life that lasts several weeks or longer; your favorite activities can suddenly feel so much more exhausting and less enjoyable.

It can help improve brainpower

Studies have shown that cognitive levels drop with iron deficiency, negatively affecting functions including those related to attention span, intelligence, sensory perception functions, emotions, and behavior.

Along with this, there is a strong link between iron deficiency and mental health. So if you’re anemic, then you’re more likely to experience other psychological symptoms including depression and anxiety.

Increased iron supplementation may help improve these cognitive functions to help daily performance at school or work.

Experience these healthy benefits with Iron + Vitamin B-Complex + Folic Acid (Hemarate FA)!
Iron + Vitamin B-Complex + Folic Acid (Hemarate FA) is a nutritional supplement for the prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia and vitamin B- complex deficiencies. It contains iron, Vitamins B6 and B12 - nutrients that are necessary for healthy blood, synthesis of hemoglobin.

Take orally, one tablet daily or, as directed by a doctor. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

ASC Ref No. U159P072120HS, U045P081420HS, U049P081420HS, U124P071421HS

Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287228
https://www.verywellhealth.com/iron-supplements-benefits-4178814
https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn4898-iron-tablets-can-improve-womens-brainpower/
 

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