Someone had asked me the other day if low iron would affect fertility. Part of the blood - Hemoglobin - is the iron containing, oxygen transport of red blood cells. It is an imperative part of new red blood cell formation/creation. This is what I knew.....I talked to one of my instructors yesterday about it (who is a chiropractor and nutritionist), who said that absolutely, low iron would affect fertility (because of the important role in the formation of new rbc's). However, I also found this information...


A recent study found a link between low iron intake and female infertility, making increasing iron intake through food and iron supplements important for women trying to get pregnant. But why is iron so important to improving your fertility and what are the best sources of iron that you can incorporate into your healthy eating regimen?
The Link Between Female Infertility and Low Iron Intake

In a recent study, a low iron intake in women was found to lead to an increased risk of ovulatory infertility; meaning that a woman’s body is unable to produce healthy eggs.
The women who participated in the study had no history of infertility. They were prescribed different dosages of iron and iron supplements in order to test the effects on their fertility. The women’s prescribed iron intake was dependent on their age, weight and lifestyle, among other factors.
The study found that by increasing their intake of iron, the women had a 40 to 60% lowered risk of ovulatory infertility.
The study found that the higher the iron intake, the lower the women’s risk of developing ovulatory fertility problems. For example, women who consumed 41 miligrams or more of iron daily had a decreased risk of 62% of infertility problems. In addition, those women who were prescribed heme iron (iron that comes from animal sources, such as eggs) were also at higher risk for developing ovulatory fertility than those whose iron intake came from mostly non-heme iron (non-animal sources of iron, such as beans).
Sources of Iron

The following are some excellent sources of non-heme iron:

• <LI itxtvisited="1">bread (both white and whole wheat) <LI itxtvisited="1">broccoli <LI itxtvisited="1">prune juice <LI itxtvisited="1">spinach <LI itxtvisited="1">beans <LI itxtvisited="1">lentils
• apricots

The following are some excellent sources of heme iron:

• <LI itxtvisited="1">chicken <LI itxtvisited="1">salmon <LI itxtvisited="1">beef <LI itxtvisited="1">tuna <LI itxtvisited="1">ham <LI itxtvisited="1">pork
• eggs

In addition, iron supplements are another excellent source of this mineral. While prenatal vitamins contain iron, they have varying levels of it, so be sure to check with your doctor before taking iron supplements in order to learn which one is best for you.
Causes of Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world, including the United States, where it affects millions of women.
The main source of low iron is a poor diet; menstruation is another factor that can lead to iron deficiency in women, and women with heavy periods are especially at risk.
If left untreated, iron deficiency can lead to anemia, in which an abnormally low amount of healthy red blood cells results in greatly decreased energy levels.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

The following are common symptoms of iron deficiency:

• <LI itxtvisited="1">fatigue <LI itxtvisited="1">headaches <LI itxtvisited="1">dizziness (for example, when sitting up suddenly after lying down) <LI itxtvisited="1">shortness of breath when exercising <LI itxtvisited="1">brittle, thin and weak nails <LI itxtvisited="1">decreased appetite <LI itxtvisited="1">low blood pressure
• shortness of breath when exercising

__________________




http://rchiprean.abmp.com/index.html

Interesting......I have many battle of low hemoglobin, in fact there was a point where they threatened tranfusions too. I was taking B12 shots once a week and on iron until the doctor I go now tried taking me off all the stuff the old doctor had me on. He said too much sometimes causes you body to shed it all off, and once I quit doing all that my level got back up to between 10 and 13, which is great for me. There are times I tried to give blood and couldn't. I hate taking iron it messes me up greatly but an avenue I might have to consider.

__________________

Lisa - B12 is another extremely important element of rbc formation. B12 is generally found naturally in animal protein. I think if you alter your eating habits to include the foods that contain iron naturally, it will be a great help. When the GI tract is lacking its intrinsic factor (a glycoprotein in the stomach), B12 isn't able to be absorbed and utilized by the body. This is considered Pernicious Anemia. Maybe that was TMI.

In addition, B9 - AKA folate, folic acid, is the third nutritional element of rbc formation. People who are have nutritional deficiencies of iron, B12 and/or B9 are often found to be anemic. Another reason why folic acid is so important while ttc/pg.

__________________




http://rchiprean.abmp.com/index.html

I started taking folic acid when Forrest and I were talking marriage and family. I eat a lot of beets, broccolli, greens, spinach, liver about twice a month, broiled and yes fried. I love mushrooms and were told those were great too so we eat a lot of those too. I love greens so that is really easy for me, the only bad thing is when Forrest isn't home during the week I find it hard to cook so I have been eating a lot of baby spinach, tomatoes and carrots.

__________________