How much iron do I need?

In the same way we all have different calorie requirements, not everyone needs the same amount of iron. And our iron levels are impacted by so many different factors, ranging from diet and illness to hormones and pregnancy.

 Women aged 19 to 49 require a much higher recommended daily intake of iron   than men, in fact at 14.8mg1 it is almost double! This is largely due to blood   lost during menstruation.

As well as menstruation, women’s nutritional needs also change during pregnancy, breastfeeding and the menopause, so it’s not surprising to learn that many women take an iron supplement to maintain normal healthy iron levels.

Whilst it is often considered that post-menopausal women no longer need as much iron in their diet, it’s still an important nutrient during this stage of life. The menopause is a natural part of ageing that usually occurs between 45 and 55 years of age, as a woman’s oestrogen levels decline.

If you think your iron levels might be low, particularly if you are in a high-risk group, you can ask your GP for a blood test. They will then test the iron levels and ferritin stores in your blood to assess this.

1NHS Recommendation https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/iron/

2 NHS - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause
3 Menopause Support - https://menopausesupport.co.uk/?page_id=60