The Importance of the Nutrient Iron

The Importance of the Nutrient Iron Iron is considered a very important nutrient for any one at any stage

of them lifecycle. It is especially essential in the diet of a

pregnant woman. Iron is stored in the spleen, the bone marrow and the

liver, it is then used when the body needs it. Iron allows oxygen and

nutrients to travel to all parts of the body in the red blood cells.

It does this in the form of haemoglobin. Mother and baby magazine

states, ‘ It is normal for haemoglobin levels to drop a little during

pregnancy.’ The lower the haemoglobin levels, the thinner the blood.

It is an advantage if the blood thins a little, as the oxygen and

nutrients can be carried around quicker as the blood flows faster and

more easily. If the blood thins too much this means the haemoglobin

levels are too low and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia may begin.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include feeling washed out,

feeling dizzy or faint, difficult with breathing, chest pains and a

pale complexion. Anaemia is a problem with the quaintly or quality of

the red blood cells with carry the oxygen and nutrients as

haemoglobin. There are a few types of anaemia, but iron deficiency

anaemia is the most common, ‘The book of vitamins and minerals’ by

Karen Sullian states, ‘95% of all cases’.

There is not a big danger for the mother or the baby short term and

the heart rate increases to allow blood to get to all parts of the

body and the placenta increases to insure the baby gets enough oxygen.

If the anaemia continues for a long period of the pregnancy, it could

result in premature labour, stillbirth or low- birth weights.