Iron is one of the most important trace minerals because it is used in the formation of hemoglobin, the substance that transports oxygen in red blood cells.
A lack of iron causes anemia, but iron supplements alone may not be sufficient to correct iron deficiencies, because iron, like calcium, needs cofactors like vitamin C for utilization. Iron also needs hydrochloric acid in the stomach for assimilation.
Iron deficiency is more common in women than men because of the monthly loss of blood women experience through the menstrual cycle. This is why Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends the use of blood nourishing tonics, like Chinese Blood Stimulator, for women throughout their child-bearing years. Chinese Blood Stimulator helps overcome anemia in women by aiding the absorption and utilization of iron to build the blood.
Another way to overcome anemia is to take 6 capsules of I-X along with 4 capsules of yellow dock daily. This often works better than taking an iron supplement.
Besides anemia, deficiencies of iron can cause food cravings for inedible items such as ice, paint, starch, clay, or dirt, depression or apathy, insomnia or disturbed sleep, decrease in ability to concentrate, impaired mental skills that can affect memory and job performance, learning disabilities and short attention spans in children, irregular menstrual periods, brittle hair, hair loss, spoon-shaped or ridged nails and the increased risk of lead poisoning in children.
