Are you often tired and lacking energy?
Iron is an essential mineral that plays a key role in our body - it is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all cells. Without an adequate amount of iron, the flow of oxygen to tissues decreases, which can manifest as fatigue, poor concentration, paleness, and a weakened immune system.
Iron can be found in both animal and plant-based foods:
- Animal sources (heme iron - better absorption): red meat, liver, poultry, fish.
- Plant sources (non-heme iron - lower absorption): legumes (lentils, chickpeas), tofu, spinach, pumpkin seeds, dried fruits (apricots, raisins), oats, whole grains.
Although iron is needed by everyone, certain groups have increased needs for this mineral, such as women of childbearing age - especially during menstruation, pregnant women, children and adolescents during growth periods, vegans and vegetarians, physically active individuals, and people with frequent bleeding or after surgeries, blood donations, etc.