Vitamins, minerals and supplements
Iron is an essential mineral,with severalimportant roles in the body.
For example, it helps to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.
A lack of iron can lead to Iron deficiency anaemia .
Good sources of iron include:
Although liver is a good source of iron,don't eatit if you are pregnant. This isbecause it is also rich in vitamin A which, inlarge amounts,can harm your unborn baby.
The amount of iron you need is:
You should be able to get all the iron you need from your daily diet.
Women who lose a lot of blood during their monthlyperiod ( heavy periods ) are at higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia andmay need to take iron supplements. Speak to your GP or a registereddietitian for more advice.
The side effects of taking high doses (over 20mg)of iron include:
Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.
Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take iron supplements,don't take too much, because this could be harmful.
Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. However, continue taking a higher dose if advised to by your GP.
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that your body needs in small amounts to work properly.
Vitamin A is also known as retinol and it has several important functions.
There are many different types of vitamin B and they all have important functions.
Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid and has several important functions.
Vitamin D has several important functions. For example, it helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body.
Vitamin E has several important functions. For example, it acts as an antioxidant, which protects cell membranes.
Vitamin K has several important functions. For example, it is needed for blood clotting, which means it helps wounds to heal properly.
There is more calcium in the body than any other mineral, and it has several important functions.
Iodine helps to make the thyroid hormones. These hormones help to keep cells and the metabolic rate healthy.
Iron is an essential mineral that has several important roles in the body.
As well as vitamins and more common minerals such as calcium, iodine and iron a healthy diet includes many other substances.