Iron

Iron is a trace element needed for basic life functions. It is an essential part of hemoglobin, the protein carrying oxygen from the lungs to working muscles.

Iron functions

• binds oxygen to red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body and supports overall exchange of respiratory gases
• ensures normal functioning of the body - brain, muscle, thyroid and immune system
• helps prevent anemia
• is involved in energy production

Recommended daily intake of iron for adults is 10-15mg, 30-40 mg for pregnant women, 8-15 mg for children. Since iron is hardly absorbable (the body gets only 10% of the total iron intake), the recommended daily amount of iron is much higher than the daily loss. Good source of this element: red meat, offal, eggs, nuts and leafy vegetables.

Its lack causes anemia, obesity, indigestion, fatigue, paleness and shortness of breath. Surplus of iron in the tissues causes formation of free radicals, which usually cause cancer, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, diabetes..