Iron week, day 6. Friday [already? phew!]

Often, no symptomsPalenessFeeling tiredUnusual shortness of breath during exerciseFast heartbeatCold hands and feetBrittle nailsHeadachesDizziness or lightheadednessI'm no doctor, but I know that when you're low on iron you feel lethargic [but isn't that a symptom for most things?], cold and if you're really low; the whites of your eyes look a bit yellow, the red skin inside your eyelids isn't as red as it should be and your nails change colour. In short, it's awful but you don't usually know it's happening until you get the blood test.
I used to do this heaps. It's really comfy when you're exhausted.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women. They need 2½ times much iron as men, which is why most expectant mums take iron supplements. NOTE: If you're pregnant be careful about consuming liver. It contains high levels of Vitamin A which can harm a baby.Any women. Stereotypically we don't eat very much meat and don't actually have enough iron in our daily diets. Also, those with heavy periods are probably low on iron.Blood loss. "Internal bleeding, usually in the digestive tract. A stomach ulcer, ulcerative colitis, cancer, or taking aspirin or similar medicine for a long time can cause bleeding in your stomach or intestines. That's why it's important to find the reason for a low iron level." Oh... and also menstruation, full stop. [or if you're from the US: period. Haha, sorry. I'm so mature.] Vegetarians/vegans. Non-heme iron, found in veggies is not as easily absorbed as heme iron, found in meat.People with digestive/gastroenterol disorders such as coeliacs. Gluten attacks the intestine wall, damages it and makes it pretty much impossible to absorb nutrients like iron. If you've just started going gluten free it's a good idea to talk to your Dr about taking an iron supplement to help get you back on track.

If you must take iron pills, for whatever reason, check out these awesome tips from this website: