What is iron deficiency?
Iron is one of the body’s essential nutrients, which is absorbed from the foods we eat. Iron is required for normal cell and organ function, as it carries oxygen around the body via haemoglobin found in red blood cells. Iron deficiency occurs when the amount of iron absorbed by the body is insufficient. This can be caused by a lack of iron being absorbed from food.
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Iron deficiency can be caused by a number of different disease conditions
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Iron deficiency can be caused by a number of different disease conditions

These can lead to increased iron loss or inadequate use of iron. Too little iron in the body can have serious consequences, ranging from physical and mental fatigue to impaired quality of life.

Who is more likely to suffer from iron deficiency?
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Pregnant women
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Adolescent girls and women of child-bearing age
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Vegetarians and vegans
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Elite athletes
Across the globe, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency, affecting an estimated 2 billion people.
If you are considering taking Maltofer or if you think you may be iron deficient, visit your doctor to discuss iron deficiency.
Why is iron so important for your health?
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Why is iron so important for your health?

Our bodies need iron, and you get that iron from food. Iron is important for mental and physical health and to keep your energy levels up.

In the body, iron is an essential part of haemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells. Haemoglobin carries oxygen in the blood from the lungs to the rest of the body. Oxygen is required in your brain for concentration and in your muscles for physical energy. Iron is also needed to maintain a healthy immune system, helping you to fight off infections. So you can see how important iron is in maintaining good health.

Normally your iron levels remain in balance, with iron from your diet replacing any iron you may have lost.

What can interfere with iron absorption?
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What can interfere with iron absorption?

Foods such as tea, coffee, chocolate and milk can interfere with the iron absorption of ferrous salts including ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate, which are commonly found in some iron supplements.

For this reason, these supplements are generally recommended to be taken on an empty stomach.

What happens if I don’t get enough iron?
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What happens if I don’t get enough iron?

If iron deficiency is not treated there can be long-term consequences for your health.

Fatigue and other symptoms of iron deficiency can also lower your quality of life and reduce your ability to concentrate and be productive at work. If you think you may be iron deficient, it is important that you speak to your doctor so that they can investigate further.

Why do I have low iron?
The supply and demand for iron in your body can become unbalanced for a number of reasons, including:
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Your diet may lack iron
Iron can be found in both animal products and plant based foods. As iron from animal products is better absorbed by your body than iron from plant based foods, if you are vegetarian or vegan it is more likely that you may not be getting enough iron.
2
Poor absorption of iron from your food
Some medical conditions, especially those that affect your digestion such as coeliac disease, can affect the absorption of iron from food into your bloodstream.
3
The result of blood loss
For example, due to heavy periods, injury or surgery.
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Increased demand for red blood cells or oxygen in your body
For example, as a result of intense exercise, growth in children and adolescents, or pregnancy.
Iron deficiency in pregnancy
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Discovering that you are pregnant is a rollercoaster of excitement and worry.

As you eliminate potentially harmful things from your diet, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of incorporating essential nutrients your body and baby require. What you put into your body suddenly has greater significance – and for good reason.

Explore more
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Iron deficiency in pregnancy
Unveiling the news of your pregnancy sparks a mix of excitement and concern.
Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency
Iron is one of the body’s essential nutrients, which is absorbed from the foods we eat.
Are you getting enough iron
Are you getting enough iron
Iron deficiency occurs when the supply of iron is not enough to meet the demands of your body.
Does your iron cause constipation?
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