Iron for Healthy RBC Production

Iron is an integral part of many proteins and enzymes that maintain good health, and essential for health production of red blood cells. In humans, iron is an essential component of proteins involved in oxygen transport. It is also essential for the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. A deficiency of iron limits oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work performance, and decreased immunity. 

Possible Deficiency Signs:

• Anemia

• Mental derangement, worry, etc.

• Eyes are light-sensitive

• Listlessness

• Fatigue

• Dull Hair

• Paleness

• Inflamed mouth or tongue

• White nail beds

• Pale veins on the inside of lower eyelid

Foods High in Iron:

• Molasses (we suggest Blackstrap Molasses)

• Wheat germ

• Sunflower seeds

• Whole grains

• Apricots

• Figs

• Pumpkin seeds

• Grapes

• Meat

• Raw, green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, swiss chard, turnip greens and beet greens

• Bok Choy

• Broccoli

• Sea Vegetables

• Beans - black eye, navy, pinto, lima

• Lentils

• Chickpeas

• Oatmeal

Herbs High in Iron:

• Yellow Dock

• Red Beet Root

• Devil's Claw

• Chickweed

• Mullein

• Blue Cohosh

• Butcher's Broom

• Kelp

• Red Raspberry

• Horsetail

• Burdock

Clinical Uses of Iron:

• Anemia

• Pregnancy and lactation

• Low energy

Nutrients such as Vitamin C, Copper, Calcium and Vitamin B12 are necessary for the proper absorption and assimilation of Iron. Animal sources of iron are more readily utilized than those from plant foods. Vegetarians may be prone to be deficient in Zinc and Vitamin B12. Iron, Zinc and Copper work in concert with each other; one will always effect the other two.   The recommended dietary intake for iron takes into account the varying availability of the iron from food. 

Consumption of iron-rich foods is essential for weight loss. Oxygen is also needed to enable cells to burn fat completely. The more oxygen supplied to working muscles the more fat can be burned. However this does not mean consuming very high levels of iron will help burn more fat. High doses of iron are not recommended.

LNH