E for iron

Iron – Energy, Cycle & Strength in the Blood

Iron is a vital trace element that your body cannot produce itself – you must consume it daily through your diet or as a supplement. It plays a key role in the formation of hemoglobin , the oxygen carrier in your blood. Without sufficient iron, oxygen transport slows down – the consequences: less energy, increased susceptibility to infection, and mood swings .

Iron is particularly important for women, as iron reserves are regularly lost through menstruation . The need can also be increased during pregnancy , with a vegan diet , or during strenuous physical activity . A deficiency often manifests itself in fatigue, brittle nails, hair loss, pale skin, concentration problems , or irregular cycles.

Important: It's not just the hemoglobin level that counts – especially a low ferritin level (storage iron) can lead to exhaustion in the long term, even if the blood values appear "normal" at first glance. A complete blood count provides clarity. In many cases, a make sense – ideally in consultation with your doctor or therapist.

Sources:

• World Health Organization. (2011). Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anemia and assessment of severity.
• Zimmermann MB, Hurrell RF. (2007). Nutritional iron deficiency. The Lancet, 370(9586), 511-520.
• Examine.com – Iron Summary