Trace Element Fe
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Iron is an essential element. What does this mean? Essential means our body cannot produce it or it cannot produce the amount we need for health. We must obtain through our diet.
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What do we need Iron for? Mostly used to carry oxygen around the body.
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Consumption does not equal absorption. What does this mean? Our bodies are not able to use all of the iron consumed, the amount of iron available to the body for absorption is based on the type of iron and how much iron currently is in the body.
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Can I have too much iron? Yes, this is called Iron overload and can happen from taking too many supplements.
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What happens if we do not have enough iron? Iron deficiency (ID) and Iron deficiency anemia (IDA)
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What are the risk factors for Iron deficiency?
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Low-iron intake
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Tobacco use
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Contraceptive use
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Underweight
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Menstruation
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High performance sports
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Vegetarian/Vegan
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Eating disorders