The 2016 National Diet and Nutrition Survey conducted in the UK found that 46 per cent of girls and almost one in four women have low iron intakes.
A supporting study by Network Health Dietitians revealed exercise enthusiasts as another at-risk group. That study revealed that “one in three female athletes have such low iron stores they are at high risk of clinical anemia and three out of five or 60 per cent are 'depleted' in iron, which is the first stage in developing a deficiency.”
Iron is needed for many of our body’s proteins and enzymes to function normally. If not taken care of, a wide range of symptoms may eventually emerge in addition to fatigue, including dizziness, lightheadedness, hair loss, twitches, irritability, poor appetite, depression, weakness, and brittle or grooved nails. Continued iron deficiency can progress to worsening fatigue and even anemia.
Of course, there are no magic pills in life. Our physical and mental health is a complex mix of many factors. As with any troubling physical condition, consulting a healthcare practitioner is the right idea. If an iron deficiency is identified they will recommend taking an iron supplement.
A supplement can be one of the ingredients that helps fight fatigue. When taken in concert with a program of exercise, smart eating and positive thinking, the results can be fantastic. It can improve our energy to help us manage our busy lives in a healthy way, leading to greater happiness and productivity. Being healthy is not a fad, it is a commitment to a lifestyle that allows us to truly enjoy life.
