Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Did you know that apricots are bursting full of fertility-friendly nutrients including beta carotene (their bright orange colour gives this away!) vitamin C and E, potassium, magnesium, folate, fibre and are a great source of iron?
Iron is one of the most important minerals in the body and iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies, yet it is often one of the easiest to remedy. Dried apricots contain roughly 6.3mg of iron per 100g – an easy snack to incorporate into your daily routine. Why not sprinkle some on your porridge or make some apricot and oat breakfast bars?
It is estimated that 30% of the population is clinically deficient in iron. Iron is a nutrient needed for many functions of the body and whilst the human body can store iron, it cannot make it. The only way to obtain iron is from food. It is vital for the creation of haemoglobin, which in turn allows red blood cells to carry oxygen all around the body. One out of three women who are pregnant become iron-deficient, which can have negative impacts on the development of the foetus. Oxygen needs to be supplied not only to your body, but also to the baby’s, and so iron deficiency may mean that the foetus isn’t getting enough oxygen. This can inhibit all areas of foetal development.
WHY is iron so important to health?
Stored in bone marrow and the liver, this essential mineral is a vital component of haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body from the lungs to tissues and carbon dioxide back in the other direction. Iron is also important for maintaining a healthy immune system as well as having a role in the production of energy, DNA synthesis and muscle function.
Who is most affected?
Menstruating females, those with heavy periods, vegans, vegetarians, post-surgery, pregnant women, those breastfeeding, after childbirth, adolescent girls, older adults and those who exercise a lot.
What can a deficiency in iron lead to?
Low levels of iron may lead to Iron Deficiency Anaemia- so it is important to get your levels checked out with your G.P in the first instance if you are in anyway concerned or unsure. Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia. There are other types, like vitamin B12 and folate anaemia that your G,P may also check for.
What are the main symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia?
Iron Deficiency Anaemia is caused by a lack of iron. Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia include:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Pale skin
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet
Dizziness
Rapid heartbeat
What can be done to Increase Iron Absorption?
Ensure that your gut health is in tip top condition – to be able to absorb vital nutrients from your food efficiently and effectively.
Get your levels checked if you are unsure with your G.P (as mentioned above)
Haem iron from animal products is more easily absorbed than the iron found in plants (non haem iron) so if you don’t eat meat eat plenty of foods containing vitamin c as this helps the body to absorb iron from food
Good quality supplementation- but only after checking your levels with your GP or qualified nutritionist/ dietician as too much iron can be detrimental to health
In relation to fertility–
Some research studies suggest a link between fertility and iron levels in the body. It has been found that iron supplementation in those who required it can lower the risk of ovulatory infertility (again know your levels before any supplementation). Appropriate iron supplementation has also been linked to decreased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and preterm labour. Inadequate iron levels among women can lead to anovulation or the inability to release the egg.
Animal-based sources of iron (containing haem iron)
Red meats (beef, lamb, pork). The redder the meat, the higher it is in iron.
Offal (liver, kidney, pate)
Poultry
Fish or shellfish (salmon, sardines, tuna)
Eggs
Plant-based sources of iron (containing non-heam iron)
Nuts
Dried fruit
Iron-fortified bread and breakfast cereal
Legumes (mixed beans, baked beans, lentils, chickpeas)
Dark leafy green vegetables (spinach, watercress, kale, broccoli)
Oats
Certain Fruit and vegetables eg Beetroot, tomatoes, asparagus, raspberries, mushrooms
Tofu
Top tip! If buying dried apricots choose organic as these don’t contain sulphur dioxide!
Want to read more?
Chavarro JE, Rich-Edwards JW, Rosner BA, Willett WC. Iron intake and risk of ovulatory infertility. Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Nov;108(5):1145-52.
The post Amazing Apricots – A fantastic Iron Rich Fertility Food appeared first on IVF Babble.
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