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Tina T
Lv 6
Tina T asked in HealthWomen's Health · 1 decade ago

How much iron do most women need and what's a good source to consume?

4 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    A women should get 18 milligrams of iron each day. The problem with iron is that it's not easily absorbed...96% of the iron you take in through nutrition just passes through, while only 3% of it is absorbed. There are two kinds of iron: heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron, which makes up 40% of the iron in meat, poultry and fish, is well absorbed.

    Non-heme iron, which constitutes 60% of the iron in animal tissue and all the iron in plants fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts, is less well absorbed. Over-the-counter blood builders made of natural non-heme forms of iron are much safer, more absorbable, and you start seeing very good results in as little as 30 days but generally a couple of months.

    Iron supplements, however, should only be taken by iron-deficient anemic people, since too much iron can be toxic. Check out the two links below...one is an article on iron consumption in women, the second is a food chart for iron.

  • 1 decade ago

    it depends on the woman. Some women have efficient iron with diet and eating habits other women seem to always be low in iron. If you are concerned about your iron intake I would suggest taking a multi vitamin everyday (which has a percentage of the daily value of all the iron your supposed to get in a day)

  • 1 decade ago

    I get my iron from broccoli, and over the counter pills.

  • BAnne
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    I get my iron from healthy cereals and lean meat.

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