Questions & Answers
How much iron do we need every day?
The required iron intake is based on daily iron losses via faeces, urine and sweat and amounts to approximately 1 mg per day. Women also lose blood during menstruation. During growth and pregnancy the required iron intake is higher. However, dietary iron intake of the required amount of around 1 mg per day is not enough as only approximately 10-15% of dietary iron is actually available to the body. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) took this into account in its iron intake recommendations by recommending a daily intake of between 10 and 15 mg per day for adolescents and adults and of between 8 and 10 mg iron per day for children to cover the daily iron requirement of around 1 mg. A far higher intake is recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women of 30 and 20 mg per day, respectively.
Why do women need so much iron during pregnancy?
During pregnancy the required iron intake increases because the placenta and uterus must also be supplied with iron. Furthermore, the fetus develops its own iron store.
Who are the risk groups for inadequate iron intake?
Children and adolescents in the growth phase, women of child-bearing age, pregnant women and vegetarians are the risk groups for inadequate iron intake because they either have elevated requirements or because their diet will lead to an intake which is lower than the recommended level.
What do eyes look like when anemic?
If you pull your lower eyelid down, the inside layer should be a vibrant red color. If it's a very pale pink or yellow, you may have iron deficiency.
