What it does in the body
The human body needs iron, an essential mineral, to make
hemoglobin, used in the transportation of oxygen in red blood cells.
People who do not get enough iron in the foods they eat are at risk for
iron shortages or deficiency, which can lead to anemia.1
Food Sources
- Iron is found in red meat, poultry, liver, fish, beans, dried fruit, tofu, sea vegetables2, whole-grain products and dark green, leafy vegetables3.
Recommended Dietary Allowance
- The average adult male RDA is 8mg4 while for adult females, the RDA rises to 18 mg. Pregnant women may require more; men should avoid overdosing on iron.
Orthomolecular Dosage Range: Similar to the RDA.
- Many commercial foods are iron-fortified. For men, especially those with genetic risk, may be subject to over-saturation with iron. Excess consumption, or when there is no compensating blood loss, if it continues for many years, will lead to toxicity.5
1 Canadian Health Network. Government of Canada. Site Viewed on December 6, 2007. http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/servlet/ContentServer?cid=1146231904072&pagename=CHN-RCS%2FCHNResource%2FFAQCHNResourceTemplate&lang=En&c=CHNResource
2 Robertson, Robin. Vegan Planet. The Harvard Common Press: 2003. Pg 11
3 Robertson, Robin. Vegan Planet. The Harvard Common Press: 2003. Pg. 5
4 Government of Canada
5 Hoffer, Abram, PH.D., M.D. and Walker, Morton, D.P.M.
Orthomolecular Nutrition: New Lifestyle for Super Good Health. Keats
Publishing Inc., Connecticut: 1978. Pg. 161