YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO IRON

It's the world's most common nutritional deficiency but there's a lot about it that may surprise you!

- Words: Amber Bramble.

Tiredness, poor sleep, brain fog and headaches - there are lots of reasons we can experience these symptoms, but one of the most common is iron deficiency.

It's estimated that just over 5% of non-pregnant New Zealand women under the age of 50 are anaemic. However, this only includes the most severe cases, with studies suggesting the rate of iron deficiency is much higher - between 18 and 55%.

"Once you're anaemic, you're very low in iron and you'll have significant symptoms, but you can have signs a lot earlier," explains nutrition scientist and dietitian Dr Joanna McMillan.

WHY IS IRON IMPORTANT?

Iron plays a number of key roles in the body, including the production of haemoglobin, which is the molecule in your blood that carries oxygen around your body. It's found in red meat, seafood, eggs and poultry, but it can also be in plant sources, such as nuts, seeds and leafy greens.

Tiredness, dizziness, breathlessness, pale skin and brain fog are all potential symptoms, along with loss of appetite, increased sweating, hair loss, brittle nails, repeat infections, a red, swollen tongue and strange food cravings, such as a desire to eat ice.

WHO IS AT RISK?