Iron is a trace mineral that is essential to our health. It has several vital functions, including carrying oxygen to the tissues in the form of hemoglobin, participating in enzyme reactions in various tissues, and supporting proper immune function. Surprisingly, iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world.
There are several factors that can lead to iron deficiency, including low dietary intake (vegetarians are at increased risk), malabsorption disorders (such as celiac disease) and blood loss caused by an underlying gastrointestinal disorder, such as ulcers or haemorrhoids. Women are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency, be it due to heavy periods, low dietary intake or as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. Due to the high demands a growing baby places on iron stores, research shows that over 80% of pregnant women will be iron deficient by the end of their pregnancy. Couple that with normal blood loss at birth and increased needs during breastfeeding and we have a situation that needs our attention. Breastfeeding depletes iron stores further, with new research showing iron deficiency is more common in infants due to low levels in breast milk.
Common symptoms of iron deficiency are feeling fatigued, poor concentration, headaches, brittle nails, intolerance to exercise and a depleted immune system.
The World Health Organisation has supported recent research that we need to consider lower dose iron supplements that are more easily absorbed by our body, and therefore still effective at restoring our iron levels. An iron rich mineral water, Spatone, offers several advantages to iron tablets. It has been researched and shown to be effective in the prevention of iron deficiency in pregnancy and unlike most iron supplements it is well tolerated and not associated with constipation and other stomach upsets. This unique, natural, highly bio-available iron spring water has no additives and is backed up by great scientific evidence, confirming a safe and effective result.
If your iron levels are low, supplementation over one to three months, or longer if you are pregnant, is important – combine this with a proper diet and healthy lifestyle to ensure you don’t suffer from fatigue and frustration.
More information on this topic is available online at http://www.martinandpleasance.com.
----------------
About The Author
News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.
News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.
