Iron & Womens Health
Iron and Women’s Health: Why Understanding Your Intake Matters at Every Life Stage
Iron is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in everyday health, yet our nutritional requirements and the factors affecting our iron intake can change throughout life.
From adolescence and menstruation to pregnancy and beyond, there are times when women may need to pay closer attention to whether they are getting enough iron as part of a varied and balanced diet.
So, what does iron actually do, where can we get it from, and when might it be appropriate to speak to a healthcare professional about your iron status?
We asked Cara Shaw, Nutritionist at BlueIron, to explain.
Why does the body need iron?
Iron is probably best known for its relationship with blood, but it has several recognised functions within the body.
Cara explains:
“Iron is an essential nutrient and has a number of important functions within the body. It contributes to normal energy metabolism, cognitive function, oxygen transport and the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, as well as supporting the normal function of the immune system.”
These aren't just considerations for a particular age group. Iron forms part of our nutritional requirements throughout life.
Why can iron be an important consideration for women?
Individual nutritional requirements vary, and different stages of life can bring different considerations.
Cara continues:
“Women’s nutritional needs can change throughout different stages of life, so it can be useful to understand which nutrients deserve particular attention. Iron is one of those nutrients, especially when considering factors such as menstruation, pregnancy and dietary choices.”
Rather than thinking about iron in relation to any one life stage, understanding its role and knowing how to obtain it through a balanced diet can help us make informed nutritional choices.
Where should we get our iron?
A food-first approach is an important foundation of good nutrition.
Cara explains:
“I always encourage people to start by looking at their overall diet. Iron is naturally present in a range of foods. Sources include meat, fish and poultry, while plant-based sources include lentils, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds. The focus should be on eating a varied, balanced diet that provides a broad range of nutrients.”
There are different forms of dietary iron. Haem iron is found in animal-derived foods, while non-haem iron is found in plant foods, and the body absorbs these forms differently.
Vitamin C can also increase iron absorption, so including foods containing vitamin C as part of a balanced diet can be useful when considering iron intake.
Introducing BlueIron
Food supplements are intended to supplement the diet, not replace a varied, balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.
For those who choose to supplement their dietary iron intake where appropriate, BlueIron offers a range of liquid iron supplements designed to provide a convenient source of iron as part of an everyday routine.
BlueIron Liquid combines iron with Nordic blueberry concentrate in a liquid format suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal cognitive function, normal oxygen transport, the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, the normal function of the immune system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. The formulation also contains zinc, which contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails.
For those looking for a higher-strength option, BlueIron High Strength Drops provide 20mg of iron per recommended daily serving (142% NRV) in an easy-to-use pipette format. The formulation uses microencapsulated iron and also contains vitamin C, which contributes to increased iron absorption, alongside Nordic blueberry juice for a pleasant taste.
BlueIron High Strength Drops are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and contain no artificial colours.
Whichever format is chosen, iron supplementation should form part of the wider nutritional picture rather than replace it. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, and anyone with concerns about their iron status should seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.-
Posted by Emily Garfield
29th September 2026
