Important In Pregnancy
Iron is an important mineral for pregnant women. It helps to form hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the cells, and it also helps the baby’s brain and nervous system to develop properly. Most pregnant women in their first trimester need about 27 mg of iron per day. They can get it from lean red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals.
Improve athletic performance
Iron is an important mineral for athletes. It helps to improve athletic performance by transporting oxygen to the muscles. It also helps to store and use energy from food. Athletes need more iron than sedentary people because they lose iron through sweating and have higher energy needs.
Iron deficiency can cause fatigue, impaired exercise performance and reduced work capacity. The best way to prevent iron deficiency is to eat a diet that includes iron-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, beans and dark green leafy vegetables. Some athletes may also need to take an iron supplement.