It is well established that iron deficiency results in anemia, which leads to fatigue. However, fatigue in the absence of anemia is relatively common. A recent study finds that giving iron supplements to women with fatigue (without anemia) reduced symptoms after one month. This study showed 29% decrease in fatigue in the group taking iron supplements.
Although the women in this study did not have anemia (low blood count), more than half had low serum ferritin, another marker of inadequate iron. It has been shown that only women with low serum ferritin may benefit from iron supplements. However, any type of iron supplements should only be taken under medical supervision.
Dark Chocolate: Serving Size (100 grams), 6.3 milligrams of iron (35% DV), 578 calories
Strawberries: Serving Size (1 pint), 1.5 milligrams of iron (9% DV), 114 calories
Peas: Serving Size (1/2 cup), 1.2 milligrams of iron (7% DV), 62 calories
Cooked Spinach: Serving Size (1 cup), 6.4 milligrams of iron (36% DV), 41 calories
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