Everyone needs some iron. Many basic cell functions could not take place without iron, including blood production and the proper use of oxygen. If you don’t get enough iron, your body can’t produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, weakness, pallor, and cold hands. It rarely causes death, but iron-deficiency anemia may be the world’s most common disease, harming the quality of life of millions, especially in less-developed countries. Iron deficiency also affects many people in this country. The following group of people is more susceptible to anemia.
Poor people, especially children, if their diets are inadequate. Menstruating women, who lose iron with each period, as loss of blood mean loss of iron. They are particularly susceptible if they don’t eat much food because they are watching their weight. It’s been estimated that iron deficiency occurs in a third to half of healthy, young adults. Pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing take a large toll on iron levels, so most pregnant women and new mothers need iron supplements.