Iron

Iron is a double edged sword in nutrition, it is vital for a healthy body but an excess of iron is implicated in heart disease and cancer. The most important function of iron in the body is for the production of hemoglobin, myoglobin and  oxygenation of red blood cells. Iron is also required for a healthy immune system. 

Loss of iron body due to: 

• Menstruation 
• Taking asprin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine 
• Consumption of high carbohydrate or high fiber diet 

Signs of deficiency: 

• Anemia 
• Fatigue 
• Weakened immune system 
• Lower body temperature 
• Reduced output of thyroid hormone 

Effective for: 

• Anemia 

Supplements: 

Two kinds of iron exist- 

• Heme iron which is a natural, organic and biologically form  found in red meat, chicken and fish. Heme iron is absorbed by the body with no surplus accumulates. 
• Non heme iron which is a synthetic inorganic form that should to be avoided. It is found in most iron supplemented and fortified foods. Higher accumulation of non heme iron leads to increased risk of heart disease and cancer. 
• Iron absorption can be enhanced by taking vitamin A and C. 

Side effects and precautions: 

To be safe it is best to go to a doctor for a blood test to check iron levels. Ordinary hemoglobin count will let you know if you are anemic but not deficient. but the best test is serum ferritin test which measures how much of the mineral is stored in the body.