It’s never okay or acceptable to lack nutrition – in this case, iron. Iron is an essential nutrient that fuels many essential functions in our body. The issue is, most diets aren’t supplying enough iron to people, which can lead to multiple health consequences. Lack of Iron leads to abnormally low red blood cell counts, which affects haemoglobin production. If our bodies don’t have enough haemoglobin, our muscles and tissues won’t get enough oxygen to be able to function normally – countless symptoms are evidence to this.
Unfortunately, women and children are most susceptible of being iron deficient. Women lose blood during menstruation, so they’re generally at greater risk of iron deficiency. Being a woman, I want be equipped with enough iron to be able to take care of myself and my family.
A vegetarian diet is significantly lower in iron than a non-vegetarian one, and majority of vegetarians are very prone to anemia. Especially children. What about getting my iron needs through regular diet, such as spinach? Theoretically possible, but highly unlikely!
Infants and children need additional iron during their growing stages. The World Health Organization states that Iron deficiency in children damages their cognitive development, impairs immune mechanisms, and is associated with increased morbidity rates. I would never want that for my kids, so I ensure they get proper nutrition and iron through their diet and supplements.
Having said that let me add this – men don’t escape iron deficiency at all. Just like women and kids, they too need a required amount of iron in their bodies. So how do we reduce the risk of iron deficiency in our families? By consciously choosing iron-rich foods and good quality supplementation. Another add-on would be vitamin-C, to enhance dietary iron absorption.
Being a woman and a mother, I’ve realised the importance of adding iron-rich foods in our diet. But its also impossible to be too scientific about it – we all know Palak contains iron, but are we willing NOT to overcook it to preserve its iron content? Unlikely…
Supplementation with high quality Iron supplements, has always been a non-negotiable for our family. We’ve seen the results of safe, good quality food-grade iron supplements, as compared to cheap, commercial-grade iron supplements. And although iron can easily be overlooked and neglected in a diet, your body will thank you for providing it with sufficient iron. Never compromise on nutrition – for yourself or your family.
