Feeling unusually tired, foggy or just off lately? It might not just be stress or poor sleep. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional issues in the U.S. and many people don't even realize they have it. According to national health data, absolute and functional iron deficiencies affect more than one in 10 adults and the symptoms can sneak up on you.
An absolute deficiency happens when your body doesn't have enough iron at all, while a functional deficiency means the iron is there but your body isn't using it properly. Young women tend to be more affected by absolute deficiency but functional iron issues can impact anyone. If you've been dragging through your day or dealing with symptoms that just won't go away, here's what to know about iron deficiency and how to spot the signs early.
Keep reading to learn about how much iron you should be getting, iron-deficiency symptoms and how to get more iron from food.
What causes iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia can develop for several reasons:
You lose more blood, which contains iron, than your body can replace Your body struggles to absorb iron You're not eating enough dietary sources of iron Your body needs more iron than normal
Biological sex, lifestyles, underlying health conditions and age can also make people more prone to iron deficiency.
Are you getting enough iron in your diet?
It's important to know how much iron you should be getting. Amounts vary between men and women, with men needing 8 mg of iron per day and women needing 18 mg of iron per day. Women older than 51 only need 8 mg of iron daily, while those who are pregnant need 27 mg per day and those who are lactating need 9 mg on a daily basis.
Luckily, you can get iron from a wide range of foods. These can include:
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