RENEWED, RECHARGED & READY FOR THE NEW NORMAL
Who Needs Iron? Iron in the natural environment is abundant—it makes up about 4 percent of the earth’s crust, more than calcium, magnesium or sodium. But despite iron’s prevalence on earth, deficiencies are more common than you might think. In fact, iron deficiency is the most pervasive nutrient deficiency worldwide. Even in the United States, some people may not get as much as they need on a daily basis. Who’s especially at risk for non-anemic iron deficiency: Any woman old enough to menstruate. Monthly blood loss through menstruation depletes iron, so women in their childbearing years need more of this important mineral than men do. Chronic loss of blood makes women more susceptible to iron deficiency and increases the risk of anemia. In fact, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia in women of childbearing age.
Pregnant women. Although menstruation pauses during pregnancy, the volume of blood in a woman’s body increases, so she needs additional iron for herself and her growing baby. Insufficient iron during pregnancy can increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight, and can harm the baby’s brain development.
After pregnancy and birth, women who are breastfeeding need less iron, since most nursing moms aren’t menstruating for at least the first few months of breastfeeding. Breast milk draws very little iron from the nursing mom, and most newborns have enough iron stored in their bodies for the first four months of life. However, infants who exclusively breastfeed may need an iron supplement after their first four months of life.
People who take iron-depleting medications. Some prescription drugs can hamper your body’s ability to absorb iron. These include some antacids, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antiinflammatories like ibuprofen, and ulcer medications. Iron
supplements also interfere with the absorption of some drugs like osteoporosis medications or certain kinds of antibiotics, and oral contraceptives may increase iron to unsafe levels. If you take any of these, check your iron status with your physician. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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Breastfeeding women and infants.
