HOW MUCH IRON DO I NEED SINCE I HAVE IBD?
Everybody's need for iron is different. Some of the iron is from old red cells that are broken down in the spleen and recycled in the bone marrow. But we must also bring in enough to replace the iron that is lost or needed for growth. The amount of iron we need depends on factors such as gender (women need more because of regular blood loss with menstrual periods) and growth of a child or teen.
IBD can increase the amount of iron that is needed due to bleeding, decreased appetite, or problems absorbing iron.
Other groups of people at risk include:
- Vegetarians who usually need twice as much because vegetables don't release as much iron as meat sources.
- Pregnant women who transfer iron across the placenta to satisfy the increasing needs of her unborn infant. Less obvious is her own expanding blood volume that has to nourish the baby and her own body.
Amount of Iron needed for each life stage:
| Life Stage | Recommended Daily Amount |
| Children 4-8 years | 10 mg |
| Children 9-13 years | 8 mg |
| Teens boys 14-18 years | 11 mg |
| Teens girls 14-18 years | 15 mg |
| Adult men 19-50 years | 8 mg |
| Adult women 19-50 years | 18 mg |
| Adults 51 years and older | 8 mg |
| Pregnant women | 27 mg |
| Breastfeeding women | 9-10 mg |
Extra iron is needed if you are having active bleeding or active inflammation. That amount will depend on your blood counts. You can judge your needs by your hemoglobin using the recommendations of the World Health Organization.
This article, as well as all others, was reviewed and edited by a member of our Medical Advisory Board.
Subscribe Be the first to know