Why Do You Need Iron?

  Iron is an essential mineral.
Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to transport it throughout your body. If you don't haveenough iron, your body can't make enough healthy oxygen - carrying red blood cells.
A lack of red blood cells is called iron deficiency anemia. Without healthy red blood cells, your body can't get enough oxygen. If you're pregnant, severe iron deficiency may increase your baby's risk of being born too early.
  How much iron do you need?
How much iron you need each day depends on your age, gender. Infants and toddlers need more iron than adults. Starting at adolescence, a woman's daily iron needs increase.
  How do you know if you're iron deficient?
If you're low iron, you may also:
- Feel short of breath.
- Have a fast heartbeat.
- Have cold hands and feet.
- Have brittle and spoon shaped nails or hair loss.
- Severe iron deficiency can cause difficulty in swallowing.