Feeling tired and sluggish is a common issue for many of us. In some cases it might just be that we’re not getting enough sleep, or aren’t eating the right kind of diet. The weather, how much exercise we get and our mood can also have an impact.
But if you’re constantly feeling fatigued it might indicate that there’s an underlying issue. According to health experts, being deficient in a certain mineral is one such issue.
Iron is a vital mineral, needed for the growth and development of the body. Its main job is to help make red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body.
Without enough iron you could experience iron deficiency anaemia, a condition that can result in tiredness and lack of energy.
Other symptoms include shortness of breath, noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations), paler than usual skin and headaches.
If you experience any signs of iron deficiency you should speak to your doctor. They will be able to run tests to see if you are in fact deficient.
While the iron we need can come from what we eat, there is a quicker and simpler way to boost your iron levels and prevent symptoms.
Iron supplements taken daily are one way to do so and they don’t have to break the bank. Holland and Barrett is selling a bottle of 180 iron tablets for £10.99 – which equates to 6p per pill.
Or there’s a bottle of 90 tablets for £6.99 (8p per pill) and 30 tablets for £2.99 (10p per pill). The tablets also contain vitamin C, which further helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
The retailer says the tablets are formulated to support the normal formation of red blood cells, haemoglobin, and immune system function.
Studies show iron supports normal oxygen transport around the body, and normal function of the immune system.
And vitamin C supports non-haem iron absorption and immune system function.
The tablets have an overall customer rating of 4.5 stars out of five. In the reviews, one shopper said: “I’m not a great believer in instant results but I felt different within a week!
“Far less tired and I wake up at sensible times and don’t feel lifeless. Having now taken it for a month, I’m also noticing I have a load of new hair growth – don’t know if it’s connected but it’s great!”
A second said: “Amazing, have these regularly and see a massive difference! Even with two little kids I am no longer tired and have the energy to get things done daily!”
Elsewhere, Boots is selling 60 14mg iron tablets for £3.40. On Amazon, you can get a pack of 30 Vitabiotics Ultra Iron Tablets for £3.56, or Sainsbury’s has a 90 pack of iron tablets for £2.45.
If you want to up your iron intake via your diet the following foods are rich in the mineral:
- Liver (but avoid this during pregnancy)
- Red meat
- Beans, such as red kidney beans, edamame beans and chickpeas
- Nuts
- Dried fruit – such as dried apricots
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Soy bean flour.
According to the NHS, the amount of iron you need is:
- 8.7mg a day for men aged 19 and over
- 14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 49
- 8.7mg a day for women aged 50 and over.