Iron

Posted on 2005-12-30 20:01:01 in Minerals |

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Found in liver, heart, kidney, lean meats, shellfish, dried beans, fruit, nuts, green, leafy vegetables, whole grains, blackstrap molasses.

ROLE IN ANTI-AGING:

Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, which is present in red blood cells, and myoglobin, a molecule that transports oxygen in muscles. By taking an iron supplement it is possible to cure and prevent iron-deficiency anemia, as well as stimulate the immune system. Iron can be used to improve muscular and athletic performance, and prevent fatigue. People who may benefit from iron supplements include vegetarians and vegans, athletes, those who have recently undergone surgery, and women of childbearing age.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS:

Anemia (pallor, weakness, persistent fatigue, labored breathing on exertion, headaches, palpitation), young children suffer diminished coordination, unbalanced attention span and memory, older children have poor learning, reading and problem-solving skills, depressed immune system with decreased ability to produce white blood cells to fight off infection, concave or spoon-like fingernails and toenails.

THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:

The RDA is 10mg for men, 18mg for women, and this should be adequate. Experts recommend consuming vitamin C-rich food or drinks, such as orange juice, at the same time as taking supplementary iron as vitamin C improves iron absorption. Do not use inorganic iron (ferrous sulfate) as a supplement as it destroys vitamin E, use organic iron (ferrous fumarate, ferrous citrate or ferrous gluconate) instead.

MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL:

The maximum safe level for iron is 15mg for long-term usage and 80mg for short-term usage.

SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Iron can cause side effects such as abdominal pain and diarhhea, nausea, and vomiting. All side effects of iron supplementation should be reported to a doctor. Do not supplement iron without first having a laboratory diagnosis of anemia. Elevated iron or ferritin blood levels is thought to increase free radical damage, and has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer, diabetes, heart attack, infection, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and Huntington’s disease. Excess iron may also worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Overdose of iron is dangerous.

SOLUBILITY: Insoluble in water


Health Headlines

In a lab animal model, booming gut flora spawned by the Western diet is linked to obesity.
International study reaffirms importance of resolving the income gap between the richest and poorest people in developed countries.
Switzerland-based research team assesses the metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress hormones.
UCLA researchers find disability rates in Americans entering their 60s are on the rise, potentially fueled by the overweight/obesity epidemic.
Genetic clues to longevity discovered among a homogenous ethnic population.
Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (USA) researchers find that a loss of muscle strength raises risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Stroke risk may rise in those with common infectious pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and herpes simplex viruses.
First study in humans links bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to male sexual function problems.
Simple steps in the community can promote walking among residents.
Study finds that people who are dissatisfied with their workplace bosses not only take more sick leave, but are at increased risk of suffering a heart attack.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Brain Age Workshop
Dr. Eric Braverman, Director of The Place for Achieving Total Health (PATH Medical), Chairs the Brain Age Workshop taking place Dec. 9, 2009. Held in conjunction with the Winter Session of the 17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The Brain Age Workshop features presentations on Brain Mind Assessment via Neuropsychological Analysis, Movement Deficiency Syndrome, Hormones and the Brain, Nootropic Drug Mechanisms, and Traumatic Brain Injury. View this video to learn about Dr. Braverman’s brain-based model of aging and age modulation.

International Events
See all events »