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Iron is an important part of a balanced diet. Well take a closer look at what iron does for us. Who is at risk of iron deficiency and who should be taking iron supplements. Well also look at the best ways to get the required amounts of iron in your diet.

What is the purpose of iron vitamins for our bodies? Well, it helps to produce hemoglobin and myoglobin, both of which help move and store oxygen in the blood and muscles. Iron is also responsible for giving us energy, when our body doesnt have enough iron, we feel sluggish and tired.

Iron deficiency is high among young women especially, women lose iron during their menstrual cycle. If a proper diet isnt follow its quite easy for a women to become deficient in iron. Also pregnant women require extra iron as well to help the baby grow healthy and strong, but also to keep the mother in good health. Making sure you have many sources of iron in your diet is a must for all women.

Whats the best way to test for iron deficiency? Well the only sure way to know is to go to your doctor and have them run some tests. Because of the negative side effects(such as nausea and constipation) from taking iron supplements, its best to be certain you are deficient first.

Do you need iron supplements? Unless your doctors instructs you to take them, dont.

If you dont have an iron deficiency, you do not need to take iron supplements. In fact taking unnecessary iron supplements can cause you serious harm. In addition to the minor side effects, more serious side effects can occur, this includes diabetes or even cancer. So if you dont need it, dont take it.

You dont need to take supplements to get iron, there are plenty of healthy iron rich foods. Many foods, such as beef, poultry and seafood are rich in heme iron, its the most easily absorbed form of iron. Other foods, such as dried fruit, broccoli, spinach and red wine contain a less easily absorbed form of iron.

Also, by combining foods that are high in iron with other vitamins, specifically vitamins A & C, will cause your body to absorb more of the iron.