Iron is essential for the proper functioning of the human body, according to the National Institutes of Health. Iron is an important part of many of your body's proteins and enzymes. A lack of iron can limit the delivery of oxygen to your body's cells, resulting in a condition known as anemia. Anemia can be treated with an iron supplement. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage of iron per day if you suffer from anemia or suspect you may be anemic.
Anemia
According to MayoClinic.com, anemia occurs when your body does not make enough healthy red blood cells, often as the result a lack of iron in your bloodstream. Also known as iron deficiency anemia, the condition does not allow your body to make enough hemoglobin for your red blood cells. Without enough hemoglobin, your body cannot adequately transport oxygen to your body's tissues. This can leave you feeling tired. You may also experience headaches, have noticeably paler skin, chest pain, cold hands and feet, shortness of breath and dizziness.
Treatment
Iron deficiency anemia is the result of blood loss somewhere in your body, according to MayoClinic.com. To treat anemia, the source of the bleeding -- provided the bleeding is not due to menstruation -- must be stopped. This may involve surgery. Other causes of anemia include your body not making enough red blood cells and your red blood cells becoming destroyed due to disease -- including cancer, HIV, AIDS, chronic anti-inflammatory diseases, arthritis, kidney failure and Crohn's disease. A lack of folic acid and vitamin B-12 can also cause anemia.
Diet
Eating foods rich in iron can help prevent the occurrence of anemia. Foods rich in iron include beef and lean meats. Dried fruit and dark, green, leafy vegetables can also be sources of iron. Additionally, look for items that are fortified with iron, such as cereals. Fortified products have iron added into them.
Daily Recommended Iron Intake
For adequate iron intake as well as for the treatment and prevention of anemia, meet the recommended dietary allowances for iron. Iron intake varies for infants, children and adults. Children ages 7 months to 12 months should consume 11 mg of iron per day. Children ages 1 to 3 should consume 7 mg of iron daily. Children ages 4 to 8 should receive 10 mg of iron daily. Youth ages 9 to 13 should consume 8 mg of iron each day. Males --ages 14 to 18 -- should receive 11 mg of iron daily, while females -- ages 14 to 18 -- should consume 15 mg of iron each day. Males -- ages 19 to 50 -- should consume 8 mg of iron daily. Females -- ages 19 to 50 -- should consume 18 mg each day. Those over the age of 51 should consume 8 mg of iron daily.
Considerations
Only your doctor can determine if you should consume more than the daily recommended allowance for iron each day. Just as too little iron can have effects on your body, too much iron in your bloodstream can also be harmful to your health. Too much iron can cause constipation, vomiting and nausea. Heart disease, diabetes and cancer risks increase with too much iron. Too much iron can also damage your internal organs. Never decide on iron dosages yourself.
