Because expectant mothers need to provide two sets of nutrients, they often become deficient in various nutrients if they are not careful, and iron deficiency anemia is one such case.
If expectant mothers don't pay attention to iron supplementation, not only will they suffer, but it could also lead to their baby being born with ADHD or intellectual disabilities!
Iron is a key component in the synthesis of myoglobin and hemoglobin, and it plays a role in maintaining the function of various enzymes.
It is also an important assistant in DNA and hormone synthesis, oxygen transport, and neurotransmitter formation.
Iron deficiency can easily affect the differentiation and growth of nerve cells.
However, there are techniques to supplementing iron. The misconception that red dates, brown sugar, and donkey-hide gelatin can replenish blood has been discussed to death. So what other pitfalls should we be aware of?
Come on, let's take a look at these 6 common misconceptions. Have you fallen into any of them?
① Vegetables and fruits are not related to iron supplementation.
I wouldn't disagree if you said vegetables and fruits aren't very good for iron supplementation, but I can't stand the idea that they're unrelated to iron supplementation.
The organic acids such as vitamin C and citric acid in fruits and vegetables can promote iron absorption. They can form coordination compounds with iron, increasing the solubility of iron in the intestines.
It's only because certain substances, such as oxalates, hinder the absorption of iron by vegetables that they have earned this name.
② Roll up your sleeves and get to mending!
It's just about supplementing iron, right? Then I'll just take it and that'll be fine!
Stop!
Iron deficiency is not a case of the more you supplement, the better; the amount and method of supplementation are both important.
The recommended intake for adults is 10-15mg, while pregnant women need 30mg. Just follow the recommended dosage.
Excessive iron supplementation during pregnancy can easily lead to adverse gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and noticeable darkening of the face.
Severe iron poisoning can also cause vomiting blood, coma, and even lead to heavy metal poisoning in the fetus!
③ It's said that red meat and animal organs are good sources of iron, so you should eat more of them?
Think about it: do red meat and offal really look like "lumps of iron"? Even if they were lumps of iron, they wouldn't just be made of iron...
In other words, both of these contain iron, as well as fat, cholesterol, and other substances. Pork, in particular, contains as much as 30.3 grams of fat per 100 grams.
Actually, the second point is about the same thing: "Everything in excess is as bad as deficiency."
Research data shows that eating a serving of red meat such as pork, beef, or lamb, about 85 grams per day, increases the risk of premature death by 13%; eating a serving of processed red meat products, such as sausage or bacon, per day increases the risk of premature death by 20%.
The World Cancer Research Fund previously advised the public to avoid processed meat products as much as possible and to limit their intake of red meat to no more than 500 grams per week.
④ Health supplements as a substitute for anemia treatment
If you believe this, please make a fist with your right hand and strike your right cheek.
Article 3.1 of the "General Standard for Health (Functional) Foods" defines health foods as: "Health (functional) foods are a type of food that shares the common characteristics of general foods, can regulate bodily functions, and are suitable for consumption by specific populations, but are not intended to treat diseases."
That's all I have to say. No arguments accepted.
⑤ Milk and eggs are essential.
These two are well-known good things. The question is, do good things necessarily mean you can get enough iron?
Milk is very nutritious, but it's low in iron, and the human body only absorbs about 10% of it. Isn't that infuriating? Even breastfed infants are prone to iron-deficiency anemia if parents neglect to introduce complementary foods.
Furthermore, certain proteins in eggs can inhibit the body's absorption of iron. While egg yolks are actually quite high in iron, the absorption rate of that iron is only 3%, which is frustrating, isn't it?
⑥ Iron supplementation directly for anemia
Please note that the previous context was "iron deficiency anemia," meaning that anemia can also be caused by other factors.
Generally, they are divided into two categories:
Insufficient erythrocyte production
This is usually caused by a lack of iron (as mentioned in this article), B vitamins, folic acid and other blood-forming raw materials, or it may be caused by external environment or disease.
Excessive consumption of red blood cells
For example, sudden massive blood loss, or hemolytic anemia caused by genetic factors or other reasons.
So check carefully before you act, otherwise it would be very embarrassing to "hit the wrong person".
Okay, that concludes our summary of these 6 pitfalls. Do you have anything to add or anything to discuss? Feel free to share!
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