Why is iron especially important for women? | Nutritionist Explains | Myprotein

Why is iron especially important for women? Iron is essential for making haemoglobin and transporting oxygen around the body, but menstruating women can have higher iron requirements because iron is regularly lost through menstrual blood. In this YouTube Short, expert nutritionist Dr Richie Kirwan explains why women are at greater risk of iron deficiency, the role menstruation plays, and why getting enough iron through your diet is so important. Key Facts: Iron is essential for producing haemoglobin, which helps red blood cells transport oxygen around the body. Menstruation causes regular blood and iron loss. Because of these losses, premenopausal women generally have higher dietary iron requirements than adult men. Heavy menstrual bleeding can further increase the risk of iron deficiency. Iron-rich foods include red meat, shellfish, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and some leafy green vegetables. Vitamin C can help increase the absorption of non-haem iron from plant-based foods. Iron deficiency can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and reduced exercise capacity. FAQ: Q: Why do women need more iron than men? A: Menstruating women regularly lose iron through menstrual blood, which generally increases their dietary iron requirements compared with adult men. Q: Can your period cause iron deficiency? A: Menstrual blood loss can contribute to iron deficiency, particularly in people who experience heavy or prolonged periods. Q: What are the signs of low iron? A: Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and reduced exercise capacity can occur with iron deficiency, but these symptoms have many possible causes. Q: What foods are high in iron? A: Good sources include red meat, shellfish, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and certain green vegetables. Q: Should women take an iron supplement? A: Not automatically. Iron supplements can be useful when deficiency or increased requirements are identified, but taking high-dose iron unnecessarily can be harmful. If you're concerned about low iron, appropriate testing and medical advice are preferable. #myprotein #wheyprotein #protein #nutrition ********************************* Myprotein is Rated Excellent on Trustpilot 🔔 Subscribe to our channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MyproteinUK?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Download the Myprotein app: https://myprotein.onelink.me/IYeO/o2erh9hb The UK & Europe's Number 1 Online Sports Nutrition Brand, Myprotein.