Iron is an essential mineral for good health. Although most people in U.S. get enough iron in their normal diets, there are individuals with specific conditions who require additional iron. Also, some groups of people have an increased need for iron in their diets. The conditions that result in an increased iron need include burns, bleeding problems, intestinal diseases, hemodialysis, which is a form of blood treatment and stomach problems. Groups of people with an increased need for iron include pregnant women, infants who have a low birth weight or are born before coming to term, toddlers and older infants, teenage girls and women with heavy menstrual losses.
Iron Deficiency
The main benefit of iron supplements is avoiding iron deficiency. Iron is a mineral that the body needs to produce red blood cells. It also is used to regulate cell differentiation and cell growth. When there is a dietary deficiency in iron, the body has difficulty delivering oxygen to cells. This can result in a decrease in shortness of breath, an increase in fatigue and poor work performance. Iron supplements can help eliminate symptoms of iron deficiency.
Infection Resistance
Iron supplements help maintain the body's resistance to infection. Not only does iron work to deliver oxygen to cells, it can be found in enzymes that play a role in biochemical reactions in the body. Disrupting these reactions not only leads to the fatigue symptoms of iron deficiency, it also makes the body more susceptible to infection by reducing the effectiveness of the body's autoimmune system. Iron supplements can help people avoid this reduction in the resistance to infection.
Other Benefits
For pregnant women, the increased iron need represents in part the needs of the fetus. Iron supplements not only to mitigate symptoms of iron deficiency in the expectant mother, but also satisfy the health requirements of the growing fetus. Some infants, especially those who are breastfed, may also require iron supplements to support normal growth and development.
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