Iron is an essential trace element for the body, which must be obtained in sufficient quantities from the diet. Iron is involved in many functions in the body, and one of its most important functions is to transport oxygen to important organs such as the heart and muscles. Sufficient iron intake can affect endurance, well-being and mood. The body's iron stores can be measured easily with Puhdi's laboratory test. If necessary, iron intake is supplemented with a dietary supplement, for example P Puhdas+ iron preparation .
Iron intake
The human body is not able to produce iron by itself, so it must be obtained from food every day. Since iron leaves the body with secretions, its regular intake is important. Sources of iron include, for example, liver and meat dishes. In Finland, men usually get enough iron from their diet on average, but women's intake can often fall below the recommendations.The recommended intake of iron is 9 mg per day for men and 15 mg per day for women of childbearing age. The intake recommendation is higher for women than for men due to menstrual bleeding. You should pay special attention to iron intake if you have heavy periods. In addition, the need for iron increases during pregnancy. After menopause, women's need for iron drops to the same level as men. A lot of sport increases the need for iron in both women and men.You can estimate your own iron intake from the diet with, for example, the Fineli calculator, but this does not actually tell you how much iron is absorbed from food individually. Iron intake does not yet tell about the body's iron stores. The amount of iron stores can be determinedby a laboratory test.If necessary, you can boost your iron intake with a high-quality nutritional supplement, such as Puhdas+ iron preparation , which is a versatile package containing vitamin B12, folate and vitamin C in addition to iron.
Iron absorption
Even if iron is obtained from food, its absorption in the intestines can be weak for one reason or another. Iron is absorbed from the small intestine. For example, celiac disease and other conditions related to malabsorption can affect iron absorption. In such a situation, it is important to find out with the doctor what is the cause of the poor absorption of iron.It is good to take vitamin C with iron-rich foods or an iron preparation, because vitamin C helps the absorption of iron. Vitamin C can be obtained, for example, from many fruits and berries, but it is also often added to iron preparations.Certain foods and drinks, on the other hand, weaken the absorption of iron. Among other things, the calcium in dairy products and coffee and tea weaken the absorption of iron, and iron supplements should not be taken with them at the same meal. Iron supplements should usually be taken on an empty stomach.Iron is best absorbed when iron stores are scarce. As the iron stores are replenished, the absorption gradually decreases.In addition to iron , the Puhdas+ iron product also contains vitamin B12, folate and vitamin C, which promotes iron absorption. Puhdas+ iron product is stomach-friendly and plant-based.Iron and vitamin C are packed in a granule, from which they release the ingredients slowly and steadily through the intestines. In this way, a situation does not arise, as with a standard iron preparation, that the entire amount of iron is released in one place in the stomach or the beginning of the small intestine.
Iron deficiency studies without a referral
Voluntary health promotion and self-measurement have become more common in recent years, and nowadays it is also easy to go to iron deficiency tests independently without visiting a doctor. Puhti is a Finnish company that offers the best service for measuring and developing well-being. The Puhti health check-up is a good way to find out how your own body is doing and where you should aim to maintain your health. Through Puhdi, you can easily access examinations without a referral and get the results in a clear report that you can interpret yourself.Ferritin is the primary test for iron deficiency. In addition to ferritin, the inflammation status and blood count should also be checked.A sensitive CRPtells about the inflammatory state of the body, which affects the ferritin value.A complete blood countincludeshemoglobin, which reveals anemia.Several doctors are involved in the development of the cleanest service. After the tests, it is possible to separately order a doctor's phone consultation directly from Puhdi's results report, if there is a suspicion of illness, the results are abnormal or there are symptoms.More information and sources:Clean+.Iron 20 mg + B12 + Folate + CZip.Extensive anemia and iron deficiency research packageZip.Research on iron deficiencyZip.Ferritin measurementZip.Ferritin tells you about your iron stores (iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia)Zip.Iron (Fe) – What is iron needed for?Zip.Hemoglobin (B-Hb) reveals anemiaGuest pen author Mirka Tuovinen is responsible for service development and communication at Puh. Puhdas+ partner Puhti (www.puhti.fi) is a service that allows you to monitor your own well-being and health with laboratory tests. We work in close cooperation with our partners - promoting your well-being as our common goal.