When most people think of iron, they think of anemia. However, it should be noted that there are more than 20 different causes of anemia, ranging from a problem with red blood cells to a vitamin B complex deficiency. So if you’re anemic and believe you have an iron deficiency, don’t run out and buy iron pills without talking first to your doctor. Taking too much iron can be dangerous; in children too much iron can cause death.

“Iron is part of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of the blood. Iron-deficient people tire easily because their bodies are starved for oxygen. Iron is also part of myoglobin, which helps muscle cells store oxygen. Without enough iron, ATP (the fuel the body runs on) cannot be properly synthesized. As a result, some iron-deficient people become fatigued even when their hemoglobin levels are normal…Although iron is part of the antioxidant enzyme catalase, iron is not generally considered an antioxidant, because too much iron can cause oxidative damage.
“The most absorbable form of iron, called “heme” iron, is found in oysters, meat, poultry, and fish. Non-heme iron is also found in these foods, as well as in dried fruit, molasses, leafy green vegetables, wine, and most iron supplements. Acidic foods (such as tomato sauce) cooked in an iron pan can also be a source of dietary iron.” (Healthnotes, Inc., “Iron,” Nov 1999)

When there is an iron deficiency, some of the signs may include:

• anemia
• chronic exhaustion
• inability to heal
• poor athletic performance (iron-deficiency anemia)
• celiac disease
• Crohn’s disease
• depression
• heavy menstruation
• canker sores (mouth ulcers)
• restless leg syndrome
• infertility in females

As with ANY mineral, iron exists ideally in balance with other nutrients in the body. When out of balance, any mineral may cause symptoms, disease, degeneration and permanent harm. Herein lies the dangers of taking mineral toddies, multi-mineral supplements and isolated iron supplements without a full consideration of mineral balance. It’s safer to either eat iron-rich foods or consume these foods in whole food supplements (see Super Green Food and Complete Food Support).

Iron Overdose?
The reason you don’t want to take too much iron is that an excess can cause other metals such as copper, calcium and manganese to accumulate in the body by binding with them, and they become deposited in the wrong places and cause harm. Particularly affected by high iron is the liver, as it is the major site of iron storage in the body. Too avoid too much iron, limit the amount of meat and alcohol consumed.

Iron Deficiency?
Be careful of taking individual minerals as supplements. Minerals offset one another and can even cause iron deficiency. Also, drinking too much tea can cause iron deficiency. Vegetarian diets can often cause iron deficiency. But iron deficiency doesn’t necessarily mean there’s not enough iron being consumed. A deficiency can instead be caused by:

• iron loss in menstrual blood
• parasitic infections
• hemorrhoids
• ulcers
• aspirin and other drug use
• colitis
• gastrointestinal disorders
• cancer
• other problems that cause malabsorption or blood loss

But if you have one of these problems, don’t automatically take iron supplements. Find out the cause first and then let your doctor help you. If your doctor concludes you do have an iron deficiency but the situation isn’t dire, consider taking whole food nutrition instead of drugs of any kind. These products will raise your iron naturally with normal absorption because of them being 100% food.

Adjunctive Nutritional Schedule
Super Green Food: 1 tbl a day
Complete Food Support: 1 tbl a day
Vitamin B Food: 1 tsp a day

With irregular, heavy menstrual periods, add
Women’s Health: 4 tablets a day

Disclaimer
Always coordinate your health program with a qualified health care practitioner regarding any acne treatment. The nutrients in each Adjunctive Nutritional Schedule are not meant to treat or cure disease, but rather to support health. The FDA has not evaluated any statements made herein. All products have been formulated based on sound scientific and medical research. No artificial ingredients are used.