What is Iron?

Iron is a vital nutrient that plays an important role in making sure your body can run properly. Iron helps to transport oxygen through the body, and without enough of this crucial nutrient, you won’t be able to produce enough healthy red blood cells, which can result in fatigue, weakness, and difficulty with cognitive function - a condition called iron-deficiency anaemia.

Iron is also important for keeping your immune system going, fighting off infections and supporting your body’s defence mechanism. If you’re not getting enough iron, you’ll be more susceptible to infections, and it’ll take you longer to recover when you’re feeling unwell.

Especially during early childhood, iron is important for proper brain function - you’ll need enough iron to produce neurotransmitters, in order to transmit signals between nerve cells in your brain. Iron deficiency in children can lead to cognitive and behavioural problems, which can impact learning abilities further down the line.

Where can I find it?

Although you’ll find iron in meat, legumes and leafy greens, a lot of us struggle to get our daily iron requirements from diet alone. This is where your local pharmacy can come to the rescue.

Your community pharmacy should offer a fully stocked shelf of vitamin supplements, including iron. By popping in for a quick chat with your local pharmacist, you can be sure that you have everything you need to support your overall health. Your nearest chemist will be able to guide you on the appropriate use of iron supplements, can address any concerns you may have, and will be able to offer insights into any potential interactions with other medications you’re taking.

Should I be taking iron supplements?

Although iron supplements are important for everyone, they hold particular significance for certain individuals. For example, women of childbearing age are at a higher risk of iron deficiency due to menstruation. Iron supplements can help replenish the iron stores in your body and help to prevent conditions like iron-deficiency anaemia. Athletes, pregnant women and people with dietary requirements that result in increased iron needs might also benefit from iron supplementation.

If you’re concerned about whether or not you should be taking iron supplements, visit your local pharmacy for a chat. The staff at your nearest pharmacy are trained medical professionals who will be able to identify potential risks and recommend suitable alternatives. Iron supplements, like any other medication, can interact with certain drugs, compromising their efficacy or leading to unwanted side effects.

By harnessing the expertise of your local pharmacy team, you can tap into a wealth of knowledge about iron supplements and their benefits. Their guidance will empower you to make informed decisions about your health and ensure that your body functions optimally on a daily basis.

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For a healthy body all year round, check out your nearest chemist and have a chat with a friendly pharmacist to get to grips with the vitamins and minerals your body needs to work at full capacity on a daily basis.