Why 60 mg Matters if You Have Iron Deficiency Anemia

Learn about the important roles of a 60 mg daily dose of iron for people struggling with signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

Medically Inspected by: Maria Caridad P. Purugganan, MD - Medical Director, Biofemme

A staggering 1.92 billion — this is how many people worldwide were found to have anemia, according to findings from 2021. This health issue, wherein someone does not have enough red blood cells or a protein called hemoglobin in the body, can be attributed to several factors.

Nutrient deficiencies are some of the most common causes of anemia in people. In fact, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is considered the most common nutritional deficiency that can progress to anemia.

Take a closer look at some of the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in women and men, and why it’s important to receive ample iron dosages per day.

Signs of IDA in Adults to Watch Out For
Some of the most common indicators of IDA in both women and men include pale or yellowish skin (putla), dizziness or lightheadedness (hilo), tiredness (lata), shortness of breath (hingal), weakness, and headaches. In other cases, these symptoms can also be accompanied by chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and coldness in the hands and feet.

You may ask: Why do these symptoms even appear in the first place? Usually, symptoms of IDA can be linked to a daily diet lacking iron-rich food. However, women who are pregnant or experience heavy menstrual cycles, people with small intestine related problems, and people diagnosed with chronic diseases like cancer, kidney failure, or diabetes may be at high risk for IDA symptoms too.

The Role of 60 Mg of Iron in the Body
When it comes to resolving symptoms of IDA, health experts have banked on one key mineral: iron. It is crucial in the production of hormones and proteins, specifically hemoglobin and myoglobin. The former assists in delivering oxygen from the lungs to different parts of the body, while the latter sends oxygen to the muscles. Unfortunately, a lack of these key proteins can be a key factor in the onset of IDA symptoms.

Because of the threat of IDA symptoms, health experts have recommended getting enough iron each day. But the question is: What is the right daily dose of iron for adults?

The answer actually depends on various factors, like age, sex, or pregnancy (or a lack thereof). However, if there is one number to remember when it comes to addressing IDA symptoms, it’s 60 mg.

While iron can be found in many food choices (more on this to come later), some people may need to take an additional dose of supplements containing it. After all, micronutrient supplementation is considered one of the most vital strategies in addressing iron deficiency, maintaining adequate levels of it in the body, and reducing the risk of complications.

To further drive home this point, a 2022 study noted that a single daily 40 to 60 mg dose of iron may help ensure adequate amounts of elemental iron are absorbed into the body.

As highlighted in guidelines from the Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH), the following groups of people are advised to receive additional iron doses of iron from supplements:

Infants 6 to 11 months and/or infants with low birth weight
Children 1 to 5 years old
Children 6 to 11 years old, especially those who are anemic and underweight
Pregnant and/or lactating women
Adolescent girls
Older adults

Ideally, people within these groups should consult their respective doctors first prior to iron supplementation to see whether it is needed in the first place and determine whether 60 mg is enough or needs to be increased.

Where to Get Enough Iron for One’s Daily Needs
Now that you’re aware of how much iron an adult should receive daily to avoid or address IDA symptoms, the next step is finding ideal sources of it. Fortunately, there are meats, fruits, vegetables, and other food choices that contain good amounts of iron.

Some examples of iron-rich food to add to daily meals include:

Meats like beef, chicken, pork, and liver
Seafood like shrimp, mackerel, sardines, mussels, clams, tuna, scallops, and oysters
Vegetables like spinach, string beans, broccoli, and sweet potatoes
Fruits like strawberries, watermelons, raisins, and prunes
Eggs
Beans and peas
Iron-fortified carbohydrates like cereals, pasta, and bread

In case these food options aren’t readily available or more iron is needed, one can ask their doctor about taking iron supplements. These often contain much-needed doses of this mineral that can help increase one’s daily iron intake and ensure they maintain adequate amounts of it in the body.

Bank on The Blood Vitamin for a Daily Dose of Iron and More

If you find yourself struggling with putla, hilo, lata, hingal, or any of the known symptoms of IDA, don’t wait for them to worsen. Ask your doctor right away about the Hemaright vitamin for cases of IDA: Iron + Vitamin B-Complex + Folic Acid (Hemarate® FA).

This contains 60 mg of elemental iron as ferrous sulfate, alongside 600 mcg of folic acid, 20 mg of vitamin B6, and 25 mcg of vitamin B12. Together with a proper diet and exercise, Iron + Vitamin B-Complex + Folic Acid (Hemarate® FA) can help prevent and/or address iron deficiency anemia and/or folate deficiency, and assist in reducing plasma homocysteine levels.

This supplement is able to perform these capabilities because Iron + Vitamin B Complex + Folic Acid (Hemarate® FA) contains four key nutrients that can help produce red blood cells, ensure optimal blood health, and synthesize hemoglobin (the protein responsible for blood’s bright red hue).

Was this article helpful?

Why 60 mg Matters if You Have Iron Deficiency Anemia

Learn about the important roles of a 60 mg daily dose of iron for people struggling with signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

articles

articles

articles