Fast Facts

• Iron is needed to form hemoglobin for red blood cells
• Hemoglobin carries oxygen ('gas') from your lungs to your body (the 'engine')
• Anemia is sometimes called 'tired blood'
• A chronic shortage of iron may lead to anemia
• Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in women
• The risk of iron deficiency is increased in dieters who do not eat well-balanced meals
• Inadequate iron stores can delay recovery of hemoglobin and red blood cells following surgery
• A blood test will tell you if your hemoglobin and iron stores (ferritin) are normal. Iron stores can be low even when the hemoglobin is normal
• Vitamin C (in citrus fruits) can help to absorb 'non-heme' iron
• Calcium supplements, dairy foods, coffee, tea and some medications (anti-acids) may decrease the absorption of iron.

Iron Supplements

• Most people can obtain adequate iron from their diet. Iron supplements are only recommended when tests show low-iron status or low blood ferritin (iron stores) and for persons diagnosed with anemia. Check with your doctor.

Large amounts of iron can make you sick. Persons with hemochromatosis (a common hereditary iron overload condition) should not take additional iron.

Click Here to View the Dietary Iron Guide