How much iron ?

whalomgirl
whalomgirl Posts: 35 Member
edited September 19 in Food and Nutrition
So I recently posted about being tired all the time, and someone suggested that my iron might be low. I have added it to my nutrients tracked, and i total about 40-60 per day. Is that too little? Would that cause my total lack of energy/

Replies

  • whalomgirl
    whalomgirl Posts: 35 Member
    So I recently posted about being tired all the time, and someone suggested that my iron might be low. I have added it to my nutrients tracked, and i total about 40-60 per day. Is that too little? Would that cause my total lack of energy/
  • firegirlred
    firegirlred Posts: 674 Member
    There is a number of things that can cause a total lack of energy.

    What is your diet like? If you are doing "low carb," your body may not have enough glucose. Have you ever had problems with high or low blood sugar?

    How much sleep are you getting? If you aren't getting the recommended amount, then that may be the cause.

    Are you chronically dehydrated?

    Have you ever had a problem with your thyroid?

    Do you drink too many caffeinated drinks?

    I'm sure the post you put up before covered these.

    From the article I found it's going to be difficult to tell. MFP appears to use a percentage of RDA. It looks like the conversion may be hard to make. It's good that you keep track, but you definitely don't want to self diagnose anemia. Please go see a doctor. I had this happen to me when I was a teenager, and was in the later stages where I saw multiple symptoms in multiple body systems. The causes for why you are tired all the time could be pretty simple, but could be complex. Please please please get a physician's advice. And ask for a blood test to confirm/rule out anemia. If he/she is a good doctor, they will appreciate your concerns.

    (Canadian article quoted below) I don't really know how accurate this is, but it can get you started.

    http://www.canadianliving.com/health/nutrition/how_much_iron_is_enough.php

    How Much You Need
    Here are the recommended daily allowances (in milligrams):
    Premenopausal women, ages 19 to 50: 18
    Postmenopausal women: 8
    Pregnant women: 27
    Breast-feeding women: 9
    Men: 8
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