Best iron supplements to combat fatigue, headaches and pale skin

Like so many, I chalked up my consistent fatigue to the relentless pace of modern life.

However, after reviewing at-home blood tests for another article, I discovered that I was , in fact, iron deficient.

Iron deficiencies are very common, according to stats from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, “anaemia of any cause affects around 30 per cent of the global population”. But all the more so in women on account of the likes of menstruation and pregnancy as well as those following a vegan diet as the richest sources are in meat and fish.

Melissa Jaeger, RD, LD, Head of Nutrition at MyFitnessPal explains, “Iron is a mineral found in a variety of foods but may also be added to food products or taken as a supplement. Our body uses iron to produce haemoglobin – a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs throughout the body. In addition, iron is essential to many other functions within our body”.

She continues, “Iron deficiency anaemia may occur if we aren’t eating enough iron-rich foods, if our body can’t produce enough haemoglobin or if we are losing too much iron. Certain individuals may be at greater risk including women – specifically those at the age of reproduction or who are pregnant, infants or young children, those who have had gastrointestinal surgery or those with gastrointestinal disorders”.

To combat the symptoms, registered dietitian Jaeger advises, “I recommend pairing iron-rich foods with a source of vitamin C at your meal or snack for better absorption.

Logging your food in MyFitnessPal can provide greater insight into your iron intake in addition to your vitamin C intake at meals and snacks. Under the “More” menu select “Nutrition” and view the “Nutrients” tab to see how your iron intake stacks up throughout the day or week.

You may opt to customize your dashboard and select “Iron” as one of your goal cards for a quick snapshot as you open the app”.

The expert reveals, “For some individuals with iron deficiency anaemia side effects may be mild or go unnoticed. However, as the iron deficiency progresses individuals may notice symptoms such as fatigue or weakness, pale skin, headache, brittle nails, elevated heart rate, a sore tongue and more”.

“I recommend consulting with your general practitioner before adding any supplements to your diet”, she stresses. “It is important to review any potential medication interactions and questions surrounding appropriate dose, frequency and side effects”.

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