The need and benefits of Iron

Iron is an important mineral necessary for the survival of the human body. Anaemia is one of the leading causes of illness worldwide, and its incidence is particularly due to iron deficiency.

Iron is available from the diet in haem and non-haem iron. Haem iron is found in red meats, chicken and fish, while non-haem iron is derived from plant and dairy products. They are also absorbed differently, with haem iron absorbed far more (up to 7 times more) readily.

Women and children absorb more iron than men because their iron stores are usually lower. Men absorb only about 6% of iron from their diet, whereas in menstrual years women absorb approximately 13% of their total iron intake. (ref:Beard J L. Effectiveness and strategies of iron supplementation during pregnancy. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2000:Vol 71, No 5:1288s-1294s.) During pregnancy women require far more iron than normal to meet the babies requirements.

Relevant links

Nutrient reference values for Australia and New Zealand

Dietary and supplement treatment of iron deficiency results in improvements in general health and fatigue in Australian women of childbearing age

An overview of evidence for a causal relation between iron deficiency during development and deficits in cognitive or behavioral function

Iron treatment normalizes cognitive functioning in young women

Moderate iron deficiency affects cognitive performance of young women

Mild iron deficiency lowers cognitive function in women

Maternal iron deficiency disrupts mother/child interaction

Mum’s nutrition during pregnancy related to child’s behavior at age three

Moderate iron deficiency affects cognitive performance – but iron supplementation improves it