Latest news with #irondeficiency
CTV News
02-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Anemia And Iron Deficiency: Here's How This Little Fish Can Make A Difference
Boost your iron levels with the help of this handy kitchen tool. Fatigue, trouble concentrating, dizziness, headaches, and a weak immune system — all of these are symptoms of anemia or iron deficiency. Since I've been dealing with this health issue myself, I've come to know the topic pretty well. So, I was basically the perfect person to try out the Lucky Iron Fish — a simple cooking tool designed to boost your iron levels. This text is a translation from Noovo Moi How does it work? When you're dealing with a serious iron deficiency, it's nearly impossible to boost your iron levels through food alone. You usually need iron supplements, but unfortunately, they often come with unpleasant side effects like constipation and sometimes even nausea. So now you're stuck with another issue! That's where this iron fish comes in as an innovative solution for millions of people around the world dealing with this condition, especially women and children, who are more frequently affected. This small invention helps naturally enrich food with iron by simply adding it to boiling liquids for 10 minutes. Thanks to this simple and effective method, it's possible to get extra iron into your daily diet without any hassle. Valérie Sardin Who is this product for? The Lucky Iron Fish is suitable for the whole family, but it's especially helpful for people with higher iron needs, like vegans, vegetarians, athletes, women with heavy periods, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. On top of being effective, it's also super affordable: when used daily, it can last up to 5 years, making it a budget-friendly alternative to iron supplements. Plus, it's made from pure iron in an ISO-certified facility, so you can trust it's both safe and effective (It's also Halal and Kosher certified). How do you use and take care of it? The Lucky Iron Fish is super easy to use. Just boil it in water for 10 minutes with a bit of acidity (like citrus juice) to release 4 to 8 mg of iron per litre. Whether you're making water, soups, or sauces, it's a quick and convenient way to add extra iron to your meals. Here are the recommended steps for best results: Wash the fish before each use Add it to a liquid-based meal that cooks for about 10 minutes (like soup, broth, or oatmeal) If you're just boiling water, be sure to add a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar After use, wash the fish with dish soap Dry it thoroughly to prevent rust For extra care, it's recommended to apply a light layer of protective oil between uses to keep rust at bay My personal review of the Lucky Iron Fish: Valérie Sardin I'll be honest — I really dislike iron supplements (mostly because of the side effects), but I still need them. That's why this little iron fish is such a great alternative. It's an easy, natural way to boost the iron content of liquid meals without any hassle. And yes — I can confirm there's absolutely no metallic or strange taste in the food. To see real results, it's recommended to use it daily or at least three times a week. Since a blood test is really the only reliable way to check your iron levels and see if you're deficient, I can't say for sure whether I'm no longer anemic since using the fish, but the research supports it. I think the biggest challenge is building the habit. At first, you remember to use it all the time, but if it's not visible in your kitchen, it's easy to forget. The second challenge is making sure you're actually cooking liquid-based meals, or remembering to add a little acidity to boiling water. But honestly, if you're dealing with anemia and, like me, you're not a fan of supplements, the Lucky Iron Fish is definitely worth it. You might also like: Here's Everything You Should Pack In Your Gym Bag We Gave This Bite-Relief Tool A Try — Here's How It Worked I Was Skeptical About The Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Sachets — Now I Carry Them Everywhere Disclaimer: The prices displayed are accurate at the time of publication. We'll do our best to keep them as up-to-date as possible, but you may see slight changes.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
6 Iron-Rich Snacks That Help Improve Your Energy and Focus, According to Dietitians
Iron is an essential nutrient that helps carry oxygen in your blood and supports energy, focus, and immunity. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency, and women, children, and vegetarians are more likely to need extra iron. These iron-rich snacks will make it easy to boost your intake between meals and offer a satisfying balance of flavor and plays a key role in helping your body function at its best. It's an essential mineral that helps carry oxygen through your blood, supports your muscles and immune system, and is also important for brain development. While iron needs vary depending on your age, sex, and diet, most adults should aim for about 18 milligrams per day. Animal proteins like beef, poultry, and seafood offer heme iron, which your body absorbs more easily than the non-heme iron found in plant-based foods. That means vegetarians and vegans may need a bit more to meet their needs. And if you're low on iron for a while, it can lead to fatigue, trouble concentrating, and a higher risk of infections. 'Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world,' says Toby Amidor, MS, RD, award-winning nutrition expert and author of Health Shots. 'In the U.S., it's especially common in young children, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women.' The good news? Getting enough iron doesn't mean overhauling your entire diet. Adding a few iron-rich snacks into your day can help fill the gaps—and they're easy (and tasty) to enjoy between meals. Related: 12 Fruits and Vegetables That Are High in Iron to Add to Your Diet, According to RDs The combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit makes trail mix a perfect on-the-go snack—and a surprisingly good source of iron. Plus, it satisfies your sweet and salty cravings! Registered dietitian Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD recommends using cashews, pistachios, or almonds to get the biggest iron boost. Fellow RD Avery Zenker agrees: 'Trail mix is a quick, convenient, widely available whole-food snack that requires no prep time.' She suggests adding pumpkin seeds, which 'are one of the highest sources of iron among all nuts and seeds, providing about 2.5 milligrams in just a quarter cup.' Raisins and dried cranberries are classic mix-ins, but Zenker recommends dried figs for an extra iron out your trail mix into small zip-top bags or reusable containers to grab on your way out the door—no last minute prep required.'Although meatballs don't typically seem like a snack food, if you're looking to add more iron to your day, a beef-centric snack is a smart choice,' says Amidor. A four-ounce serving of 90% lean ground beef provides about 2.5 milligrams of iron—or 14% of what most women need in a day. Plus, it's heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body. Make a batch of meatballs as part of your weekend meal prep, or keep a bag of frozen ones in your freezer for a quick snack you can reheat anytime. Crunchy, salty, and super satisfying, roasted chickpeas are a snack-time win. Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) are part of the legume family, which also includes lentils, split peas, and other beans—all of which are good sources of protein, fiber, and non-heme iron. Registered dietitian Amy Margulies, RD, CDCES, LDN, NBC-HWC recommends crispy chickpeas because 'They're delicious, portable, and packed with nutrition. Half a cup provides about 2.4 milligrams of iron, plus fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep your energy up and blood sugar steady.' While you can buy packaged roasted chickpeas, they're quite easy to make at home. Just toss canned chickpeas with olive oil, Parmesan, and your favorite seasonings (Margulies likes garlic powder, oregano, and basil), then roast until golden and crunchy. 'They're the kind of snack that feels indulgent but delivers on both flavor and feel-good benefits!' Related: 5 Healthy Foods That Are High in Iron, According to RDs You might think of edamame as your pre-sushi appetizer, but it's also a nutrient-packed snack on its own. These young green soybeans are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and—you guessed it—iron! Half a cup of cooked edamame provides 10% of your daily iron needs, plus 11 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber to help keep you full and focused. Keep a batch of steamed soybeans in the fridge for a grab-and-go snack that can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, or try roasted soybeans for a crunchy alternative. Swap chips and dip for this fresh, crunchy combo. Sliced bell peppers paired with hummus makes for a colorful, satisfying snack with an iron boost. Hummus (made from chickpeas) contains about 2 milligrams of iron per 1/3 cup, and one medium bell pepper adds another 0.5 milligram. Even better? Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, which Zenker explains helps your body absorb more of the iron in hummus, making this a powerhouse pairing. Yes, chocolate counts as an iron-rich snack—especially when it's the dark variety. One ounce of dark chocolate (look for 70% to 85% cacao) provides about 19% of your daily iron needs. Pair it with vitamin-C rich strawberries, and you've got a sweet treat that not only tastes good, but helps your body absorb that iron more efficiently. No need to plan ahead: just melt some dark chocolate chips in the microwave, dip in fresh strawberries, and enjoy!Fresh strawberries not in season? No problem. Frozen berries are a great substitute—just thaw and pat them dry before dipping to help the chocolate 6 Easy Steps to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries Read the original article on Real Simple
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Not eating enough of certain food during pregnancy may raise chance of baby being intersex
Not getting enough iron during pregnancy could raise the risk of babies being born intersex, a study suggests. Scientists have found for the first time that pregnant mice deficient in the mineral are more likely to give birth to males who have female genitalia. This deficiency during pregnancy is most often caused by a lack of iron in the diet, which can naturally come from eating iron-rich foods like red meat, red kidney beans, edamame beans, chickpeas, nuts and leafy green vegetables. A simple blood test can determine a woman's iron levels and if she is deficient, a supplement can be prescribed. Sometimes, it is recommended to also take vitamin C, which can help the body absorb iron more effectively. It is already known that iron plays a role in organ development, and another recent study showed babies born to mothers with low iron levels were more likely to suffer heart defects. But the new evidence suggests the mineral could also influence the development of sex organs. The recent study is the first time a dietary mineral has been found to trigger intersex, which occurs in one to two percent of the population, and while the team said there hasn't been any research to make this link in humans, they believe it could play a role. Lead researcher Vincent Harley, a molecular geneticist at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research in Australia, said this 'presents an exciting new area of study.' Intersex is a condition in which individuals have genitals or reproductive organs that do not fit the typical binary definitions of male or female. People who are intersex may also have chromosomes that differ from the typical male and female binary. Their genitals may not match their reproductive organs or they may have traits of both. This can include variations in external or internal reproductive organs. In mammals, biological sex is determined by the presence or absence of a Y chromosome — females typically have XX chromosomes whereas males typically have XY ones. Then, a primary gene is responsible for formation of the corresponding sexual organs, such as testicles and penis or ovaries and vagina. Mice, for instance, with XY chromosomes usually develop testes if a gene called 'Sry' (Sex-determining Region Y gene) is activated and ovaries if it is not. The researchers behind this latest study had previously shown that Sry is activated by an enzyme called 'histone demethylase,' which needs iron to function. In their new lab tests, they looked at how iron levels would therefore impact the development of sexual organs in unborn babies. In one of their trials, the researchers gave mice with low levels of histone demethylase an iron-deficient diet for a month before pregnancy and for two weeks during pregnancy, and compared them with mice that were fed a control diet. The levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells were lower among iron-deficient mice than in the control-diet mice, as expected. But two of the 43 male babies carried by iron-deficient mothers also developed female-typical sex organs. All the control mice grew sex organs typical of their chromosomes. Other tests, which dug into the impact of iron further, revealed similar results. In one study, four mice with XY (typical male) chromosomes were born with two ovaries and one with one ovary and one testis. It could be posited that when iron levels are low, the enzyme 'histone demethylase' may not activate the Sry gene, which is responsible for the development of male sex organs and reproductive organs. Because of this, mice with XY chromosomes may develop female - or both types of - organs. Emerging evidence suggests maternal diet and exposure to environmental toxins can affect gene activity involved in the early development of testes and ovaries. The latest findings could have implications for medical advice about iron intake during pregnancy, Harley adds. A separate study investigating the link between iron and organ development found babies born to mothers with low iron levels are far more likely to suffer heart defects. Scientists now posit anemia - low levels of red blood cells due to low iron levels - in pregnant women may be to blame for about one in 20 congenital heart disease (CHD) cases. The deadly condition is one of the most common types of birth defects. The study, by the British Heart Foundation, analyzed the data of 16,500 mothers and found the chances of having a child with CHD was 47 percent greater in women with low iron levels in their first 100 days of pregnancy. Experts will now investigate whether taking iron supplements before and during pregnancy could help prevent heart defects.
