Are you Iron Deficient?

As a vegetarian myself, I questioned whether or not I might be iron deficient.  This query led me to do some research.  There are a couple of self exams you can do if you suspect you might be iron deficient.  First look in a mirror and hold down the bottom of your eye (the part where it is usually red or pink), if you have iron deficiency, it will be white or really pale. Also, press onto your nails hard for a few seconds and observe if they turn back to pink quickly. If this takes 5 seconds or more to return the color, then you could be deficient. 

Of course the best way to determine if you are iron deficient is by having your doctor run a simple blood test.  Fatigue is the most common symptom of iron deficiency and occurs because your body doesn't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to its many parts.  Pale skin, brittle nails, swelling or soreness of the tongue and cracks in the sides of the mouth are other possible symptoms of iron deficiency. 

I learned from WedMD that low iron is the most common nutritional deficiency in the U.S. according to the CDC.  Almost 25% of menstruating women are iron deficient.  Starting at adolescence, a woman's daily iron needs increase because of how much blood they lose each month during their period. That's why women from ages 19 to 50 need to get 18 mg of iron each day, while men the same age only need 8 mg/day.

I am a big fan of the Dr. Oz Show and I would suggest you check out the show’s website as there is an interesting video segment on who should take iron supplements.

Our Favorite Health Products, LLC carries an iron supplement made by one of our most popular brands, Hubner.  Hubner’s IronVital F not only contains a high quality Iron but it is combined with vitamin C which helps with absorption and B vitamins to enhance the effects of the iron, as well as, increase the energy boost that iron will supply.

-Carlisle