Latest news with #iron
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Are YOU tired all the time? The $22 iron supplement that's going viral for banishing fatigue - and it tastes like candy
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Every day around 2 p.m., I'd crash at work, exhausted, craving a nap, even with plenty of coffee and a full night's sleep. After months of this, I finally discovered the culprit: low iron. According to Ameri-Vita, known for their iron supplements, you need 10mg of iron daily, something tough to get from food alone unless you're eating mountains of spinach. That's why this $22 (originally $29) on-sale supplement could be a game-changer. These grape-flavored gummies are easy to eat and digest, and actually taste good for a change. Each gummy has 20 milligrams of heme iron per serving, and whether you're a coffee or tea drinker, the absorption will stay unaffected overall. What is heme iron you may ask? Well most supplements use something called ferrous sulfate, which may cause an upset stomach and generally, don't taste great. Ameri-Vita uses heme iron (iron typically found in red meat) to make their supplements, and this version is absorbed three times more efficiently by your body, according to the brand. Apart from getting you your daily iron intake, these delicious gummies also pack essential B vitamins and Vitamin C, which is imperative in forming new red blood cells. The gummies also contain Lycium ruthenicum extract, which is commonly found in fruits and berries and known for boosting energy and enhancing immunity. Each supplement is also sugar-free and preservative-free, and all you need to do is take two gummies a day to see a change in your overall health. Whether it's afternoon crashes you're hoping to avoid, or improving overall energy levels and immunity, this is the supplement for you. Due to the heme iron component, it's not suitable for vegans, but that really is the only downside of this gummy. It really is delicious and easy to eat, and you can carry the bottle with you wherever you go, and you won't even need water as it's in gummy form not tablet form. Say goodbye to midweek slumps and tired days, Ameri-Vita is here to make you enjoy each day to its fullest, no nap needed! Plus, it's on sale for a limited time only, so shop now while stocks last.
Health Line
7 days ago
- Health
- Health Line
How to Raise Your Hemoglobin Count
Key takeaways Increasing your intake of iron-rich foods like liver, shellfish, spinach, and beans can help boost hemoglobin production. Taking iron supplements may be necessary to significantly raise hemoglobin levels, but it's important to work with your doctor to determine a safe dosage to avoid potential side effects. To maximize iron absorption, consume vitamin C-rich foods along with iron sources and avoid calcium-rich foods or supplements close to iron intake. Read on to learn about how to raise your hemoglobin and what things to consider. What's a low hemoglobin count? Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to the rest of your body. It also transports carbon dioxide out of your cells and back to your lungs to be exhaled. The Mayo Clinic defines low hemoglobin counts as anything below 13.5 grams per deciliter in men or 12 grams per deciliter in women. Many things can cause low hemoglobin levels, such as: iron deficiency anemia pregnancy liver problems urinary tract infections In addition, some people have naturally low hemoglobin counts without any underlying cause. Others have low hemoglobin, but never have any symptoms. Eat foods high in iron and folate Iron plays an important role in hemoglobin production. A protein called transferrin binds to iron and transports it throughout the body. This helps your body make red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin. The first step toward raising your hemoglobin level on your own is to start eating more iron. Foods that are high in iron include: liver and organ meats shellfish beef broccoli kale spinach green beans cabbage beans and lentils tofu baked potatoes fortified cereals and enriched bread Folate is a B vitamin that your body uses to produce heme, the part of your red blood cells that contains hemoglobin. Without enough folate, your red blood cells can't mature. This can lead to folate deficiency anemia and low hemoglobin levels. You can add folate to your diet by eating more: beef spinach black-eyed peas avocado lettuce rice kidney beans peanuts Take iron supplements If you need to raise your hemoglobin level by a lot, you may need to take oral iron supplements. However, too much iron can cause a condition called hemochromatosis. This can lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis, and other side effects, such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Work with your doctor to figure out a safe dose, and avoid taking more than 25 milligrams (mg) at one time. The National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that men get up to 8 mg of iron per day, while women should get up to 18 mg per day. If you're pregnant, you should aim for up to 27 mg a day. You should start noticing a difference in your iron level after about a week to a month, depending on your underlying condition that's causing low hemoglobin. Iron supplements should always be kept carefully out of reach of children. If your child needs an iron supplement, make sure you choose one that's safe for children. Children have a lower blood volume, which makes them much more vulnerable to iron poisoning. If your child accidentally takes an iron supplement, call your doctor immediately. Maximize iron absorption Whether you increase your iron intake through food or supplements, it's also important to make sure your body can easily process the extra iron you put into it. Certain things can either increase or decrease the amount of iron your body absorbs. Things that increase iron absorption When you eat something high in iron or take an iron supplement, try eating foods rich in vitamin C or take a supplement at the same time. Vitamin C may help to increase the amount of iron your body absorbs. Try squeezing some fresh lemon over iron rich foods to increase absorption. Foods high in vitamin C include: citrus strawberries dark, leafy greens Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which helps your body produce vitamin A, can also help your body absorb more iron. You can find vitamin A in animal food sources, such as fish and liver. Beta-carotene is usually found in red, yellow, and orange fruits and vegetables, such as: carrots winter squash sweet potatoes mangos You can also take vitamin A supplements, but make sure you work closely with your doctor to figure out a safe dose. Too much vitamin A can lead to a potentially serious condition called hypervitaminosis A. Things that decrease iron absorption Calcium from both supplements and food sources can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. However, it's important that you don't completely eliminate calcium because it's an essential nutrient. Just avoid calcium supplements and try not to eat calcium-rich foods right before or after taking an iron supplement. Foods high in calcium include: dairy soybeans seeds figs Phytic acid can also reduce your body's absorption of iron, especially if you don't eat meat. However, it only affects iron absorption during a single meal, not throughout the day. If you don't eat meat, try to avoid eating foods high in phytic acid with iron-rich foods. Foods high in phytic acid include: walnuts Brazil nuts sesame seeds Keep in mind that, like calcium, phytic acid is an essential nutrient that shouldn't be completely removed from your diet. When to see a doctor Some cases of low hemoglobin can't be fixed through diet and supplements alone. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms while trying to raise your hemoglobin level: pale skin and gums fatigue and muscle weakness a fast or irregular heartbeat frequent headaches frequent or unexplained bruising The bottom line Depending on the underlying cause and the changes you make, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to almost a year to raise your hemoglobin count.
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor reveals a shocking cause of ADHD symptoms that could have a simple fix
Taking iron supplements could be a simple fix for ADHD symptoms like brain fog, poor memory and difficulty focusing, a doctor suggests. Millions of Britons are now estimated to be living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with experts concerned about surging diagnoses. But now, speaking on Instagram, British consultant psychiatrist Dr Ali Ajaz suggested a surprising and 'underrated' cause of ADHD symptoms, low iron stores. In the clip, viewed over 75,000 times, he explained that low iron levels could make ADHD symptoms worse. 'If it's low your brain can't make dopamine properly. No dopamine equals no focus, poor memory, irritability and the "why the heck did I just walk into this room syndrome",' he said. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which helps the brain function, particularly for functions like mood regulation and motivation. Low iron can also cause memory and focus problems even in those who don't have ADHD. Some experts have told MailOnline that this could—in some cases—make people believe they have the condition when they don't, however the extent of this is unknown. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ali Ajaz (@draliajaz) A previous study by French experts, writing in 2008 , that low iron can cause learning difficulties, irritability and reduced academic performance in children. Dr Ajaz adds: 'Sometimes your brain just doesn't need more hustle, it needs more raw materials. 'Feed the brain, fix the function.' However, in what he called a 'twist', Dr Ajaz said the blood test GPs commonly use to measure iron levels may not show you have problem. He explained these tests show active iron levels—the amount of the mineral in the bloodstream at any one time. Dr Ajaz said this had its flaws: 'That number bounces around depending on food, stress or even the time of day.' Instead, he said what people should look out for is their ferritin levels. Ferritin is a protein the body uses to store iron, and a test for it can give a more comprehensive view of how much iron a person has in their body regularly. Dr Ajaz said: 'This isn't just an issue for pregnant women or vegans. Studies show that even in adults, especially women with ADHD, low ferritin is shockingly common.' Therefore, he explained a way to combat ADHD symptoms is to increase iron intake through dietary choices and supplements. And studies suggest this could work. In 2023, experts at Cambridge University found boosting iron levels in women with ADHD significantly improved their mood, fatigue and sleep. Dr Aja also cited a 2022 study which found that over 40 per cent of women with ADHD had low ferritin. When these women were treated with iron supplements they all showed improvements in executive functioning and mood, he said. Researchers have previously estimated that low iron stores could be responsible for around a third of the intensity of ADHD symptoms. Iron is an essential mineral for all people as it is crucial for making red blood cells, which carry life-giving oxygen and blood around the body. This means getting enough iron is crucial for a range of bodily functions—including general energy and focus, digestive processes and a healthy immune system. Red meat and liver is touted by dietitians as rich sources of iron, with pulses and dark green vegetables including lentils, spinach and kale, good plant-based sources of iron. But it is also sold over-the-counter in supplement form, which containing around 14mg per tablet. This can be a good option for vegetarians and vegans who are more likely to have lower iron stores than people who eat meat—with dried fruit, wholemeal cereals and nuts all helping to boost levels of the essential mineral. Patients with low levels of iron intake can suffer from anaemia—a severe iron deficiency which can cause tiredness, heart palpitations and headaches. Pregnant women and those with heavy periods are most at risk of low iron levels. Under NHS guidance, men should aim for around 8.7mg of iron a day, with women aged 19 to 49-years-old recommended to have almost double this at 14.8mg. However, research has long suggested that too much iron can put people at higher risk of developing complications such as liver failure, diabetes, or heart failure. Excess iron can also lead to erectile dysfunction and a loss of sex drive in men and disrupt a woman's natural menstrual cycle. Whilst the exact cause of ADHD remains unclear, it's thought to be linked to problems with how the brain processes dopamine—a chemical that helps regulate attention. For many who live with the condition, symptoms including impulsiveness, problems with organisation and difficulty focusing can be exhausting. ADHD symptoms can be managed with drugs such as Ritalin—which works by increasing activity in the brain in areas that help control attention and behaviour. But, questions are beginning to emerge about the potential risks of these medicines, which range from poor appetite to—in some cases— dangerous heart damage. An estimated 2.5million people in England are now living with the attention deficit disorder. And data suggests more than a quarter of a million children and adults in the UK are now taking medication to combat their inattentiveness and hyperactivity, according to the latest NHS figures. Prescription rates for ADHD jumped by a fifth last year, marking the biggest annual rise since modern records began in 2015. Data suggests the surge has largely been fuelled by a rise in women in their 20s and 30s, although rates are still increasing in children. However, experts have warned MailOnline that the criteria medics use to assess if someone has ADHD is 'nebulous and elastic' meaning a one clinic may say a patient has the condition while another would say they didn't. This raises the prospect of private clinics are over-diagnosing the condition and the unnecessary widespread prescribing of powerful stimulant drugs to treat it. They have also warned many troubles that could prompt an ADHD diagnosis — such as difficulty maintaining attention at work or being distracted easily —are experiences most people have. Booming private ADHD diagnoses is thought to have been partly fuelled by celebrities such as model Katie Price and Love Island star Olivia Attwood talking about their ADHD ordeal and waits of up to ten years for an assessment on the NHS. Social media sites are also full of users telling how medication helped to calm them down, control their fidgeting and boost their concentration. But experts have also argued that ADHD was only officially listed in the UK as a disorder that affects adults in 2008. Before then, it was just recognised as a childhood problem that kids grew out of. As a result, rather than being over diagnosed, some experts claim many adults now being told they have ADHD have gone years having their symptoms dismissed.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 Iron-Rich Snacks That Help Improve Your Energy and Focus, According to Dietitians
Iron is an essential nutrient that helps carry oxygen in your blood and supports energy, focus, and immunity. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency, and women, children, and vegetarians are more likely to need extra iron. These iron-rich snacks will make it easy to boost your intake between meals and offer a satisfying balance of flavor and plays a key role in helping your body function at its best. It's an essential mineral that helps carry oxygen through your blood, supports your muscles and immune system, and is also important for brain development. While iron needs vary depending on your age, sex, and diet, most adults should aim for about 18 milligrams per day. Animal proteins like beef, poultry, and seafood offer heme iron, which your body absorbs more easily than the non-heme iron found in plant-based foods. That means vegetarians and vegans may need a bit more to meet their needs. And if you're low on iron for a while, it can lead to fatigue, trouble concentrating, and a higher risk of infections. 'Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world,' says Toby Amidor, MS, RD, award-winning nutrition expert and author of Health Shots. 'In the U.S., it's especially common in young children, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women.' The good news? Getting enough iron doesn't mean overhauling your entire diet. Adding a few iron-rich snacks into your day can help fill the gaps—and they're easy (and tasty) to enjoy between meals. Related: 12 Fruits and Vegetables That Are High in Iron to Add to Your Diet, According to RDs The combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit makes trail mix a perfect on-the-go snack—and a surprisingly good source of iron. Plus, it satisfies your sweet and salty cravings! Registered dietitian Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD recommends using cashews, pistachios, or almonds to get the biggest iron boost. Fellow RD Avery Zenker agrees: 'Trail mix is a quick, convenient, widely available whole-food snack that requires no prep time.' She suggests adding pumpkin seeds, which 'are one of the highest sources of iron among all nuts and seeds, providing about 2.5 milligrams in just a quarter cup.' Raisins and dried cranberries are classic mix-ins, but Zenker recommends dried figs for an extra iron out your trail mix into small zip-top bags or reusable containers to grab on your way out the door—no last minute prep required.'Although meatballs don't typically seem like a snack food, if you're looking to add more iron to your day, a beef-centric snack is a smart choice,' says Amidor. A four-ounce serving of 90% lean ground beef provides about 2.5 milligrams of iron—or 14% of what most women need in a day. Plus, it's heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body. Make a batch of meatballs as part of your weekend meal prep, or keep a bag of frozen ones in your freezer for a quick snack you can reheat anytime. Crunchy, salty, and super satisfying, roasted chickpeas are a snack-time win. Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are part of the legume family, which also includes lentils, split peas, and other beans—all of which are good sources of protein, fiber, and non-heme iron. Registered dietitian Amy Margulies, RD, CDCES, LDN, NBC-HWC recommends crispy chickpeas because 'They're delicious, portable, and packed with nutrition. Half a cup provides about 2.4 milligrams of iron, plus fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep your energy up and blood sugar steady.' While you can buy packaged roasted chickpeas, they're quite easy to make at home. Just toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, Parmesan, and your favorite seasonings (Margulies likes garlic powder, oregano, and basil), then roast until golden and crunchy. 'They're the kind of snack that feels indulgent but delivers on both flavor and feel-good benefits!' Related: 5 Healthy Foods That Are High in Iron, According to RDs You might think of edamame as your pre-sushi appetizer, but it's also a nutrient-packed snack on its own. These young green soybeans are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and—you guessed it—iron! Half a cup of cooked edamame provides 10% of your daily iron needs, plus 11 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber to help keep you full and focused. Keep a batch of steamed soybeans in the fridge for a grab-and-go snack that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, or try roasted soybeans for a crunchy alternative. Swap chips and dip for this fresh, crunchy combo. Sliced bell peppers paired with hummus makes for a colorful, satisfying snack with an iron boost. Hummus (made from chickpeas) contains about 2 milligrams of iron per 1/3 cup, and one medium bell pepper adds another 0.5 milligram. Even better? Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, which Zenker explains helps your body absorb more of the iron in hummus, making this a powerhouse pairing. Yes, chocolate counts as an iron-rich snack—especially when it's the dark variety. One ounce of dark chocolate (look for 70% to 85% cacao) provides about 19% of your daily iron needs. Pair it with vitamin-C rich strawberries, and you've got a sweet treat that not only tastes good, but helps your body absorb that iron more efficiently. No need to plan ahead: just melt some dark chocolate chips in the microwave, dip in fresh strawberries, and enjoy!Fresh strawberries not in season? No problem. Frozen berries are a great substitute—just thaw and pat them dry before dipping to help the chocolate 6 Easy Steps to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Read the original article on Real Simple
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
How Chinese, US coal plants are changing Hawaiʻi's waters
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Even if you are far from a factory, the ocean can still feel its smoke. A new study led by scientists at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa shows that iron from burning coal and making steel is drifting into the North Pacific Transition Zone, just north of Hawai'i, changing the way life works here and the health of our entire ecosystem. This ocean region is a key part of the Pacific food web. It's where tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton grow each spring, and these phytoplankton feed many fish and other marine animals. 10 facts about the remote island known as the 'Hawaiʻi of Japan' Iron is a key nutrient for phytoplankton; but too much of it, especially from human activity, is throwing things out of balance. Here's what the UH study has found: In photos, Waikīkī Beach in the 1940s and 1950s Each spring, the phytoplankton in our part of the ocean are hungry for iron. When extra iron enters the water, it sparks a big bloom of growth. At first, that may sound like a good thing; but it comes at a cost. When the bloom happens too fast, other nutrients in the water get used up too quickly. That makes the bloom crash later in the season. When the bloom prematurely collapses, it harms fish and the fisheries that depend on them. Lilo & Stitch summer: Hawaiʻi to expect huge tourism numbers Nick Hawco, assistant professor in the Department of Oceanography at UH Mānoa, explained how these changes affect life across our ocean. 'The ocean has boundaries that are invisible to us but known to all sorts of microbes and animals that live there,' Hawco said. 'The North Pacific Transition Zone is one of these boundaries. It divides the low nutrient ocean gyres from the high nutrient temperate ecosystems to the north.'The added iron causes that boundary to shift north. As the ocean also gets warmer, the waters rich in phytoplankton are moving farther away from Hawai'i. 'It's a one-two punch: industrial iron is impacting the base of the food web and the warming of the ocean is pushing these phytoplankton-rich waters further and further away from Hawai'i,' Hawco said. A study led by the University of Southern California (USC) investigated how industrial emissions from East Asia, particularly from coal-fired power plants, contribute iron to the North Pacific Ocean and how this is affecting marine ecosystems. Here's what they found: Iron can travel thousands of miles: The research demonstrates that iron particles from industrial emissions in East Asia can be transported across the Pacific Ocean by westerly winds where the iron is deposited in the North Pacific Ocean. Industrial iron isn't the same as natural iron: Scientists identified that the iron found in the ocean matched the isotopic signature of industrial emissions, distinguishing it from natural sources like mineral dust. Phytoplankton are small but powerful: Phytoplankton, the microscopic plants in the ocean, form the base of the marine food web. The study highlights that increased iron availability can stimulate their growth, which is crucial for marine ecosystems and global carbon cycles. The ocean has invisible boundaries: The introduction of iron into the ocean can shift ecological boundaries and affect nutrient distribution and marine life. The study notes that such changes can impact the North Pacific Transition Zone, which is a critical area for marine biodiversity. Fisheries near Hawai'i could suffer: The research indicates that the influx of iron could alter phytoplankton distribution. This can potentially affect fish populations and fisheries near Hawai'i. You can click for the UH study and for the USC study. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Both of these studies underscore the complex and far-reaching impacts of industrial pollution on marine ecosystems, even in remote regions like Hawaiʻi. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
