If you suffer from fatigue, you may be iron deficient. Fresh supplies of iron are needed on a daily basis in order for the body to make healthy, hemoglobin-rich blood and to maintain iron stores. Iron is also needed for adenosine triphosphate production (ATP), which is essential for cellular energy and proper cell function. When iron is low, ATP production drops and energy levels decrease as a result.
Iron deficiency is the leading cause of fatigue among women between the time of menstruation and menopause. Women need twice as much iron as men due to its loss during menstruation; however, the average consumption of iron in the diet is only 6 mg/1000 calories (Nutrition Reviews, Vol. 53), which is suitable for men, but may leave women deficient as they need 15-18 mg daily. It is estimated that up to 26% of women between 15 and 45 years are iron deficient or anemic.
During the childbearing years, iron is also needed for proper placenta development and prevention of pre-term and low birth weight babies; however, many women enter pregnancy with low iron stores. (Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment, 1998) In fact, it has been estimated that up to 58% of pregnant women are iron deficient.
Among children, the first eight months are a vulnerable period for brain growth and the effects of anemia may be associated with developmental delays in both motor and cognitive abilities. (Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2001) Since it takes up to six months to replenish low iron stores, in my practice, I recommend regular iron supplementation early on to ensure that iron levels are adequate around the time a pregnancy is planned.
Women and children aren't the only ones who need iron. Those people who work out have an even higher demand for iron than sedentary people because iron is lost through sweat and through bleeding of the digestive tract from the jarring motion of exercise. In one study, 34% of female runners and 8% of male runners were found to be iron deficient. (Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 114, 1989)
The good news is that all of these instances of iron deficiency can be prevented through use of the correct iron supplement.
Liquid iron products are specifically designed for the prevention of iron deficiency. The types of iron found in many solid supplements contain high doses of iron that are not designed to take over long periods of time safely. Also, solid tablets first need to be broken down by the body before their iron becomes available for absorption. In a quality, liquid iron product, easily absorbed, organic, chelated iron is fed to brewer's yeast and then added to a base of herbs and food rich in iron and co-factors such as vitamin C and B12 to further enhance its absorption. Since iron is best taken away from meals and other supplements, a product that combines liquid iron in a fruit juice base is easier to digest on an empty stomach than a solid supplement.
In addition to consuming foods naturally rich in iron, a nonconstipating, vegetarian, liquid iron formula can provide the necessary tools for the prevention of common iron deficiency.
About Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink
Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Registered Midwife. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree with Distinction in Physical Education through the University of Saskatchewan and her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (N.D.), with a postgraduate specialization in Midwifery, from Bastyr University. She is recognized across Canada as the first licensed Naturopathic Physician also practicing as a Registered Midwife. She is a member of the B.C.N.A., the C.N.P. of B.C., and the C.N.A., and an instructor of Obstetrics and Pediatrics at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine.
by Dr. Cathy Carlson-Rink
