Best Iron Supplement for Women

Why Iron is Important for Women?

Iron is an important mineral required by a woman’s body for several vital functions. It is responsible for RBC production and maintaining haemoglobin levels. Haemoglobin, a protein component in the red blood cells plays a primary role in carrying oxygen throughout the body. Females, during the reproductive period, require additional iron to cope with menstrual blood loss. However, due to poor dietary intake of iron, they are at higher risk of developing iron insufficiency. Females have to face regular blood loss every month during their menstrual cycles. This blood loss leads to iron deficiency in women, characterised by symptoms like weakness, mild headaches, chronic fatigue, poor immunity, shortness of breath and low energy levels. Pregnant women also require extra iron for foetal growth and development. As per the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), 57% of Indian women have anaemia due to iron deficiency, while the prevalence is 59.1% in adolescent girls and 52.2% in pregnant women (15-49 years). To fulfil the nutritional requirement of iron, females should incorporate iron supplements and iron-rich food sources into their diet.

What are the benefits of iron supplements for women?

The benefits of iron supplements for women are listed below:

Raise haemoglobin levels: Iron supplements help boost haemoglobin concentration by restoring lowered iron levels. Optimal haemoglobin levels also help prevent iron deficiency symptoms like chronic fatigue and low energy levels.

Prevent iron deficiency anaemia: Taking the best iron supplement is a solution for preventing anaemia because it improves haemoglobin synthesis in red blood cells. This helps the body get enough oxygen for better functioning, maintains proper blood supply, especially during the menstruation period and overcomes iron deficiency in women during the reproductive stage.

Enhance cognitive health: There is no doubt that iron deficiency in women may lead to poor cognition, which negatively impacts concentration power, alertness and focus due to a lack of iron and oxygen supply in the body. Best iron tablets for women help improve stored iron levels and prevent impaired cognitive abilities. Iron supplementation for women may help lower the negative impact on cognition, motor skill movements and even behavioural changes, reducing the symptoms of attention deficit and memory hyperactivity disorders.

Overcome fatigue issues: Iron deficiency can also lead to symptoms like chronic tiredness and fatigue in women due to low levels of ferritin (the stored form of iron). Due to dietary restrictions and anaemia, females can take the best iron supplements to reduce fatigue-related symptoms. Adequate iron levels help maintain the proper transportation of oxygen and optimal haemoglobin levels, which helps lower fatigue.

Enhance immunity: Iron plays a key role in strengthening immunity because it is essential for immune cell maturation and cell division, including lymphocytes. These lymphocytes fight against infections and act as a defence mechanism for women. Improved haemoglobin levels also enable a constant supply of oxygen to damaged cells and tissues, supporting the healing process.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency in Women

Symptoms of iron deficiency in women include chronic fatigue, dizziness, irregular menstrual cycle, pale skin, hair fall, shortness of breath, poor cognition, reduced exercise capacity, poor work performance, and cold feet and hands. It may also be associated with pica, a condition which increases the urge to eat non-nutritive items like clay, paint and chalk. To alleviate these symptoms women can take iron supplements or iron tablets and improve and enhance their iron, vitamin C and folic acid levels.

How to Choose the Best Iron Supplement for Women?

Here are a few things to take into account while choosing the best Iron Supplement for Women:

Check the correct dosage: It is always important to check the dosage of an iron supplement - that it contains the right amount of iron as per the recommended dietary Allowances (RDA). This is an important parameter to consider while choosing the best iron supplement for women. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional or doctor before opting for an iron supplement.

Type of iron supplement: It plays a crucial role in minimising side effects, and it should help overcome anaemia, which is the main goal. Iron tablets come in various formulations, including ferrous sulphate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferric citrate, and ferric sulphate, where ferric citrate is used for a person with chronic kidney disease, while ferrous fumarate is considered best for treating iron-deficiency anaemia. This makes it crucial to consult a doctor, who can help you decide which supplement to take according to your disease condition. 

Check brand quality: Always opt for reputed brands that provide lab-tested best iron supplements for women.

Check label:  Always go through the label before purchasing supplements for consumption. This step is especially important to understand usage instructions, warnings, dosage and the main and added ingredient list. This may help you to opt for the best iron tablets for women.

Why Buy Steadfast Nutrition’s Iron Supplements for Women? 

Steadfast Nutrition is the best brand in India that provides iron supplements for women to overcome iron deficiency. The brand’s iron tablets meet 100% of the daily requirements of iron for women. These iron tablets are clinically lab-tested and FSSAI-approved. They comprise ferrous fumarate and supportive nutrients such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and C. That is why these are the best iron supplements for those struggling with iron insufficiency for a prolonged time. They are prepared from high-quality ingredients and easily absorbed by the body. The formulation helps increase haemoglobin levels, prevent iron deficiency anaemia, improve overall productivity levels in women, reduce symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, and hair loss, and manage irregular menstrual cycles.

FAQs

1. How do iron supplements work?

Once an iron supplement is ingested, it gets absorbed by the body. It then helps build red blood cells and enhance levels of haemoglobin - a crucial protein component for oxygen transportation throughout the body. Iron supplements fulfil the immediate iron requirement in a more efficient way to overcome iron deficiency in women.

2. Are there any side effects of taking iron supplements?

The most common side effects of consuming iron tablets include constipation, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, dark-coloured stools, itching and discolouration of skin, loss of appetite, a feeling of metallic taste, and nausea. That is why it is important to consult a healthcare supervisor before consuming iron supplements.

3. Can I take iron supplements if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Yes, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers can take iron supplements. However, before consuming these, they should consult a doctor for better clarity on what type of iron is best suited for their condition and the correct dosage.

4. How much iron do women need daily?

According to the recommended dietary allowance (RDA 2024), an adult woman’s iron requirement is 29 mg per day. 

5. When is the best time to take iron supplements?

Iron supplements for women can be consumed midday or morning along with a proper meal for maximum efficacy. Iron supplements should not be consumed on an empty stomach to avoid their side effects, such as nausea, upset stomach, or developing a metallic taste.

6. How to treat iron deficiency in women?

Iron for women plays a prominent role in combating iron deficiency anaemia. It is advisable to include iron-rich food sources with vitamin C in your daily diet along with the best iron supplement for women. Foods that are rich in iron include dates, fenugreek leaves, moringa leaves, kidney beans, rice flakes, figs, apricots, raisins, green leafy vegetables, beetroot, pomegranate, liver, amaranth seeds, and horse gram.