Iron at Every Stage of Life

Infants & Children

Iron deficiency in the early years can have long-lasting effects on cognitive and physical development. Ask your healthcare provider about the risks* and discover expert recommendations to ensure your little ones thrive.

Iron deficiency in the early years poses significant risks, potentially exerting long-lasting effects on both cognitive and physical development in children.
As iron is crucial for brain development and the formation of neurotransmitters, insufficient levels can impact cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and learning abilities.
Physically, iron deficiency can lead to delayed growth and weakened immune function.
It's imperative for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs of iron deficiency in children, such as fatigue and pallor, and seek guidance from healthcare experts.
Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial to receive personalized recommendations and implement strategies to ensure the well-being and thriving development of our little ones.

Teenagers

During adolescence, the body undergoes rapid growth, and iron requirements increase. Speak with a healthcare provider about the challenges* faced by teenagers and explore strategies to meet their iron needs.

Teenagers face unique challenges during adolescence, marked by the body's rapid growth and increased iron requirements. Women will begin menstruation³ during adolescence and heavy periods, also known as menorrhagia, affect 1 in 5 women each year⁴.
Menstruation acutely affects iron depletion in teen girls.
As adolescents undergo significant physical development, the demand for iron rises to support the expansion of muscle mass and the production of red blood cells.
This heightened need for iron coincides with lifestyle factors that may contribute to challenges in meeting these requirements, such as erratic eating habits or a preference for processed foods over iron-rich sources.
Failure to address these increased demands can lead to iron deficiency, negatively impacting energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being during a crucial period of growth and development.
It underscores the importance of understanding and proactively managing iron intake to ensure that teenagers navigate this phase with the vitality and resilience needed for a healthy transition to adulthood.

Adults

Balancing work, family, and personal commitments can sometimes lead to neglecting essential nutrients. It’s important for adults to maintain optimal iron levels* for sustained energy and overall well-being.

Balancing the demands of work, family, and personal commitments is a common challenge for adults, and amidst these busy schedules, essential nutrients like iron can be unintentionally overlooked. The juggling act of responsibilities may result in irregular eating patterns, reliance on convenient but nutritionally deficient foods, or skipping meals altogether. Such lifestyle factors can contribute to declining iron levels, impacting energy levels and overall well-being.
Maintaining optimal iron levels is crucial for adults to sustain the energy required for their multifaceted lives. Prioritizing a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, supplemented with iron-rich foods, ensures that adults can navigate their daily responsibilities with vigour and maintain a foundation of good health to support them in both personal and professional pursuits.
Women who are menopausal can endure heavy periods making it essential to prioritize a diet in iron rich foods and explore whether supplementation is a necessity.

Golden Years

As we age, the risk of iron deficiency can persist or increase due to various factors. Discover the specific considerations* for seniors and how to address iron-related concerns in later stages of life.

As we age, the risk of iron deficiency persists or even increases due to various factors.
Seniors may experience challenges such as reduced absorption of iron from the digestive system, diminished appetite, and a decreased intake of iron-rich foods.
Chronic conditions and medications can further contribute to the likelihood of iron imbalance.
Addressing iron-related concerns in later stages of life is crucial for maintaining overall health and vitality. Seniors should be aware of the signs of iron deficiency, which can include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals.
Tailored dietary strategies, potential supplementation, and regular health check-ups can play a pivotal role in ensuring that seniors proactively manage their iron levels and age gracefully with optimal well-being.

Pregnant Women

Pregnancy brings about increased demands for iron, crucial for both maternal and fetal health. Learn about the risks* associated with iron deficiency during pregnancy and find recommendations for ensuring a healthy outcome.

Pregnancy is a transformative period where the body undergoes numerous changes, and the demand for iron significantly increases, playing a crucial role in both maternal and fetal health.
Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells, and it becomes even more vital during this time of rapid development.
Iron deficiency during pregnancy can lead to complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and an increased risk of maternal anemia.
Understanding the risks associated with iron deficiency is imperative for expectant mothers.
By learning about recommendations for ensuring adequate iron intake through a balanced diet and, when necessary, supplements, pregnant women can take proactive steps to support a healthy outcome for both them and their growing infants.
Regular consultations with healthcare professionals can provide tailored guidance, ensuring that the unique iron needs of pregnancy are met for a smooth and healthy journey to motherhood.

Athletes

Active individuals, especially athletes, may face unique challenges in maintaining iron balance. Explore how physical activity impacts iron levels* and discover strategies to support athletic performance while preventing deficiency.

Athletes encounter distinctive challenges in maintaining iron balance due to the increased physical demands they place on their bodies.
Intense training and exercise can lead to higher iron losses through sweat and foot strike hemolysis, a process where red blood cells are damaged during prolonged or intense activities. Additionally, repetitive impact can contribute to gastrointestinal blood loss.
These factors, coupled with the elevated iron requirements to support muscle function and oxygen transport, make athletes more susceptible to iron deficiency.
Understanding and addressing these unique challenges is essential for athletes to optimize their performance and overall well-being.

Vegan / Vegetarian

Choosing a plant based diet can be a preference or, political or moral choice. Ensuring adequate levels of iron is key to living with energy and vigor.*

Legumes, whole grains, leafy greens and nuts and seeds are all choices rich in iron content.
Taking time to meal plan and prep can be effective at reducing any stress associated with meeting nutritional needs and ensuring that meals include a blend of dense ingredients optimizing absorption.

NIH Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for Iron⁵

Age	Male	Female	Pregnancy	Lactation
Birth to 6 months	0.27 mg*	0.27 mg*
7–12 months	11 mg	11 mg
1–3 years	7 mg	7 mg
4–8 years	10 mg	10 mg
9–13 years	8 mg	8 mg
14–18 years	11 mg	15 mg	27 mg	10 mg
19–50 years	8 mg	18 mg	27 mg	9 mg
51+ years	8 mg	8 mg

* Adequate Intake (AI)

Educate and Empower

Iron deficiency is a serious health concern, but knowledge is a powerful tool. Take charge of your health by exploring our website and speaking to your healthcare provider. Whether you're a parent, an athlete, or anyone in between, we're here to help provide the information you need to make informed decisions.

³ Menstruating women, defined as non-pregnant, non-lactating women who have passed menarche and have not yet reached menopause and have no conditions preventing menstruation, irrespective of their baseline iron or anaemia status

⁴ CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention