how much iron should a teenager take

The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition

Board recommends that teenage males between the ages of 14 and 18 years should consume 11 milligrams of iron daily. Teenage males slightly younger or older than this age group -- 13-year-olds and 19-year-olds -- need 8 milligrams each day.

Full Answer

How much iron should a 15 year old take?

As teens grow, their muscle mass increases and blood volume expands, increasing their need for iron, so the recommendation jumps to 15 milligrams of iron daily for girls ages 14 to 18, and 11 milligrams daily for boys ages 14 to 18.

Should teenagers take iron tablets?

Teenage girls who have begun to have menstrual periods can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia by taking a multivitamin with iron. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron is eight milligrams (mg) per day for females ages 9 to 13 years, and 15 mg per day for females ages 14 to 18 years.

Can a 15 year old take 65 mg of iron?

Keep in mind that too much iron can be toxic. Children under age 14 years should not take more than 40 milligrams a day.

Can a 16 year old take iron pills?

Teen boys, ages 14 to 18, should get 11 milligrams of iron a day, while teen girls of the same age should get 15 milligrams a day.

What happens if a teenagers diet is low in iron?

Symptoms of iron deficiency include shortness of breath, tiredness and fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance and poor concentration. Treatment includes taking iron supplements and eating more iron-rich foods, such as red meat, leafy greens, dried fruits such as apricots or prunes, and iron-fortified cereals.

What are the symptoms of anemia in a teenager?

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Anemia?look pale.seem moody.be very tired.feel dizzy or lightheaded.have a fast heartbeat.have jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), an enlarged spleen, and dark tea-colored pee (in hemolytic anemias)

What are the symptoms of low iron in a child?

What are the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency in children?Pale skin.Fatigue.Cold hands and feet.Slowed growth and development.Poor appetite.Abnormally rapid breathing.Behavioral problems.Frequent infections.More items...

How long does it take to get iron levels up?

It may take 6 months to one year for your body to restock its iron stores. Your iron levels will be regularly reviewed with blood tests. If you have an underlying problem that is causing your iron deficiency, it is very important that the cause is investigated.

What happens if you take too much iron?

Frequently taking iron supplements that contain more than 20 mg of elemental iron at a time can cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, especially if the supplement is not taken with food. In severe cases, iron overdoses can lead to organ failure, internal bleeding, coma, seizure, and even death.

Can low iron cause behavior problems?

Deficiency of iron is reported to cause several behavioural disturbances in children. These children are irritable, disruptive, have a short attention span and lack interest in the surroundings.

What is a low iron level for a teenage girl?

In adolescent females, iron deficiency is considered present when the serum ferritin level is less than 12 micrograms/L and transferrin saturation is less than 16%. Additionally, in iron deficiency anaemia, the serum haemoglobin level is less than 120 g/L.

How can I raise my iron levels quickly?

Choose iron-rich foodsRed meat, pork and poultry.Seafood.Beans.Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots.Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.Peas.

Why does a teenager need iron?

Iron helps to create hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. When teens play sports, their bodies need more oxygen and more iron in their diet. If iron intake is low, you may see signs of anemia in teens, such as fatigue, weakness, or headaches.

Why is iron deficiency common in teens?

However, it is important to know that most common form of anemia in adolescents in the United States is iron deficiency anemia. This typically happens when a teen does not get enough iron in their diet. Other common reasons for teens be iron deficient include rapid growth spurts and onset of menstrual cycles for girls.

How much iron should a 17 year old have?

The average daily iron intake from foods and supplements is 13.7–15.1 mg/day in children aged 2–11 years, 16.3 mg/day in children and teens aged 12–19 years, and 19.3–20.5 mg/day in men and 17.0–18.9 mg/day in women older than 19.

What is a normal iron level for teenage girl?

How much iron do women need? For women, the normal hemoglobin range is generally defined as 12.0 to 15.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood.

How much iron should a teenager eat?

Since non-heme iron is more difficult for the body to absorb, the recommended daily intake of iron for adolescent boys following a vegan or vegetarian diet is higher than for meat-eaters, at 19.8 milligrams per day. Teenagers involved in intense athletic activity may need to eat more iron to replace the iron lost by their bodies in sweat. Young men who suffer from kidney failure or from gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease may also require higher iron intake.

How much iron should a 14 year old male consume?

The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board recommends that teenage males between the ages of 14 and 18 years should consume 11 milligrams of iron daily. Teenage males slightly younger or older than this age group -- 13-year-olds and 19-year-olds -- need 8 milligrams each day.

How does iron affect a teenager?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that teenagers with diets that regularly lack adequate amounts of iron may develop iron deficiency anemia. In this condition, a young man's body does not have enough iron to produce sufficient amounts of red blood cells. He may feel weak, unusually tired and dizzy. He may have a rapid heartbeat, pale skin, little appetite and be moody. If left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can affect a teenage male's memory and brain development. Adolescent males should see a doctor promptly if they experience iron deficiency anemia symptoms. Do not attempt to self-treat suspected iron deficiency with iron supplements, since these supplements may be dangerous for children under 18 years old.

What is the best source of iron for teenagers?

Excellent sources of heme iron include shellfish like oysters and shrimp, beef, pork, poultry and fish such as halibut and tuna. A 3-ounce serving of lean red meat provides approximately 28 percent of the RDA of iron for a teenage male, while 3 ounces of chicken breast contains 8 percent of his recommended iron intake per day.

How much milk should a teenage male drink?

He should also drink no more than 16 to 24 fluid ounces of milk daily. High calcium intake can inhibit iron absorption and cause iron to be lost due ...

Why do teens need to eat more iron?

Teenagers involved in intense athletic activity may need to eat more iron to replace the iron lost by their bodies in sweat. Young men who suffer from kidney failure or from gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease may also require higher iron intake.

Why is iron important for teens?

Iron is vital for the function of red blood cells and for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, the body's primary source of cellular energy. Teenage boys can ensure they're getting enough iron in their diet by eating a wide variety of plant- and animal-based foods.

How much iron should a teenager take?

Teenaged girls need more iron than boys their age — 15 mg daily. This is because they need to not only support growth but also compensate for iron lost through menstruation ( 5, 6, 7 ).

How much iron should a toddler have?

Iron is crucial to proper brain development. As they age into toddlers, or between the ages of 1 and 3, your child’s iron needs are 7 mg daily. Then, from ages 4 to 8, boys and girls should get 10 mg of iron from their diet each day.

Why does iron overload happen?

It happens because your body cannot rid itself of its iron stores before being supplied with more from the blood transfusion.

What are the effects of iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency can also lead to poor concentration, a short attention span, and negative effects on children’s academic performance ( 4 ).

How much iron should a woman take a day?

Between 19 and 50 years of age, women need 18 mg of iron per day. Female athletes have higher needs to account for the amount of iron lost to sweating.

What is the role of iron in oxygen transport?

Iron is a nutrient that plays a vital role in oxygen transport. It binds to hemoglobin, a special protein, and helps it carry red blood cells from your lungs to other tissues in your body ( 1#N#Trusted Source#N#).

When do boys and girls get iron?

Infants and children (to age 13) Boys’ and girls’ iron needs from infancy and into late childhood are identical. This is because menstruation does not typically begin before age 13 ( 3. Trusted Source. ). Newborn babies need the least amount of iron from their diet.

What foods should teens eat to get iron?

Teens should strive to eat iron-rich foods, including red meat, spinach, dried beans, eggs and fortified cereals, the CDC recommends. Ferrous iron salts (ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate) are the best absorbed forms of iron supplements, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Why do girls need more iron than boys?

Girls need nearly twice as much iron as boys because iron can be lost during menstrual periods.

What to eat if you have anemia?

Teens should strive to eat iron-rich foods, including red meat, spinach, dried beans, eggs and fortified cereals, the CDC recommends. But if a teen is diagnosed with anemia, supplements are prescribed by a doctor. Iron supplements are available in two forms: ferrous and ferric. Ferrous iron salts (ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate) are the best absorbed forms of iron supplements, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Brand names of supplements include Feosol, Femiron, Elite Iron and Fergon.

What is the best form of iron?

Iron supplements are available in two forms: ferrous and ferric. Ferrous iron salts (ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate) are the best absorbed forms of iron supplements, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Why do teens feel tired?

As a result, a teen may become pale and frequently feel tired, notes TeensHealth.org. When teens have growth spurts, their bodies need more nutrients, including iron, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). When too little iron is consumed, teens may be diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, the most common type ...

What happens if you have too little iron?

In anemia, too little iron can cause hemoglobin and red blood cell production to slow. As a result, a teen may become pale and frequently feel tired, notes TeensHealth.org. When teens have growth spurts, their ...

How much folic acid should a 13 year old take?

Folic Acid for Teens. Learn More. The National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus recommends males age 9 to 13 get 8 mg per day of iron, while teen boys age 14 to 18 consume 11 mg. Girls need 8 mg when they are age 9 to 13, but the requirement jumps to 15 mg at ages 14 to 18.

How many teenage girls have iron?

Only 60% of teenage girls have the recommended amount of iron in their diet. A lack of iron can make you feel tired, faint and breathless. It can also make it difficult to concentrate, which makes studying and taking exams more difficult. But it’s easy to get more iron into your diet.

What to do if you are low in iron?

If you believe you may be low in iron because you’re feeling tired and lethargic, speak to your GP ( *pediatrician or family doctor) or a registered dietitian. If your blood iron levels are found to be low, you may be prescribed a supplement.”. Should all teen girls take an iron supplement? “No.

What are some foods that contain iron?

Fish contains some iron, especially oily fish (such as mackerel and sardines) and molluscs (such as mussels) Green leafy vegetables, such as watercress and kale . Baked beans. Boiled or poached egg. Wholemeal bread. Fortified breakfast cereal. Dried figs and apricots. Raisins. Sesame seeds.

Which food has the most iron?

Checklist of iron-rich foods. Red meat (beef, lamb, pork) is rich in iron that is easily absorbed. As a general rule, the darker the meat, the more iron it contains. Poultry contains some iron, and the leg meat is richer in iron than the breast meat. Fish contains some iron, especially oily fish (such as mackerel and sardines) ...

Is iron good for girls?

But it’s easy to get more iron into your diet. Registered dietitian Azmina Govindji explains why iron is so important for girls and young women, and how to get more iron into your diet.

How much iron do I need?

The amount of iron you need each day depends on your age, your sex, and whether you consume a mostly plant-based diet. Average daily recommended amounts are listed below in milligrams (mg). Vegetarians who do not eat meat, poultry, or seafood need almost twice as much iron as listed in the table because the body doesn’t absorb nonheme iron in plant foods as well as heme iron in animal foods.

Who is more likely to have trouble getting enough iron?

However, certain groups of people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough iron: Teen girls and women with heavy periods. Pregnant women and teens. Infants (especially if they are premature or low-birthweight ). Frequent blood donors.

What foods provide iron?

Iron is found naturally in many foods and is added to some fortified food products. You can get recommended amounts of iron by eating a variety of foods, including the following:

What happens if I don’t get enough iron?

In the short term, getting too little iron does not cause obvious symptoms. The body uses its stored iron in the muscles, liver, spleen, and bone marrow. But when levels of iron stored in the body become low, iron deficiency anemia sets in. Red blood cells become smaller and contain less hemoglobin. As a result, blood carries less oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.

Does iron interact with medications or other dietary supplements?

Yes, iron supplements can interact or interfere with medicines and other supplements you take. Here are several examples:

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include GI upset, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, and problems with concentration and memory. In addition, people with iron deficiency anemia are less able to fight off germs and infections, to work and exercise, and to control their body temperature.

Why do pregnant women need more iron?

Pregnant women. During pregnancy, the amount of blood in a woman’s body increases, so she needs more iron for herself and her growing baby. Getting too little iron during pregnancy increases a woman’s risk of iron deficiency anemia and her infant’s risk of low birthweight, premature birth, and low levels of iron.

How much iron should a 14 year old take?

Keep in mind that too much iron can be toxic. Children under age 14 years should not take more than 40 milligrams a day.

How do kids get iron?

Ideally, kids should get their iron and other vitamins from a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.

How much iron is in a teaspoon of syrup?

Pediakid Iron + Vitamin B Complex, for example, is flavored with banana concentrate to make it taste better for your child and 1 teaspoon (5 mL) contains about 7 mg of iron.

Why is iron important?

In fact, the body needs iron in order to make hemoglobin, an iron-containing protein in the red blood cells (RBCs) that helps deliver oxygen throughout the body ( 1. Trusted Source. ).

How much iron is in a packet of eta?

It comes in packets measured to the correct dosage for your child, and each packet contains 4 mg of iron.

Can prunes cause iron deficiency?

prunes. However, some children are at a higher risk for iron deficiency and may need to take a supplement. The following circumstances could put your child at higher risk for an iron deficiency ( 8. Trusted Source.

Can anemia be checked on a child?

Checking for anemia should be part of your child’s regular health exam but be sure to ask your doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor might also take a small sample of blood to check your child’s red blood cells. If your doctor suspects your child has an iron deficiency, they may prescribe a supplement.

How much iron should a man consume a day?

Compared to women, men need a much lower amount of iron each day to help meet their daily requirements. In fact, men over age 19 need just 8 milligrams of iron each day, which can be found in food sources like meat, fish, poultry and legumes.

When should children be screened for iron deficiency?

Children should be screened for iron deficiency starting at 9–12 months of age, which can help determine whether or not supplementation is necessary. Taking a multivitamin and including a variety of iron-rich foods in the diet can help protect against deficiency.

What are the different types of iron supplements?

Here are some of the main types of iron supplements: 1 Ferric citrate: This type of iron binds to phosphates in foods and is used to lower phosphorus levels in those with chronic kidney disease. 2 Ferric sulfate: Ferric sulfate is a compound of iron and sulfate and is not often found in supplement form. 3 Ferrous sulfate: As one of the most common iron supplements on the market, ferrous sulfate is one of the first lines of defense against anemia. 4 Ferrous gluconate: This form of iron is also a common supplement made from the iron salt of gluconic acid.

What is the best iron supplement for kidney disease?

Ferric citrate: This type of iron binds to phosphates in foods and is used to lower phosphorus levels in those with chronic kidney disease. Ferric sulfate: Ferric sulfate is a compound of iron and sulfate and is not often found in supplement form.

What to do if you have anemia?

If you suspect that you may have anemia, it’s best to talk to your doctor to get your blood levels tested and determine the best iron supplements and treatment method for you.

What are the side effects of iron?

Some of the most common side effects of iron supplements include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. Other less common side effects include heartburn, urine discoloration and dark stools.

Why is iron important for pregnancy?

Promotes healthy pregnancy: Iron is important for fetal growth and development, which is why using an iron supplement may be advisable for pregnant women who may be following a pregnancy diet. Low iron levels during pregnancy may increase the risk of low birth weight and premature delivery.

How to help iron deficiency anemia?

Taking daily iron supplements can be an important part of managing iron deficiency anemia, although your doctor may also recommend boosting your iron intake by eating more iron-rich foods.

What to eat if you have iron deficiency?

There are two main types of iron in your diet: Heme iron is found in red meat, poultry, and seafood. Nonheme iron is found in nuts, beans, vegetables, ...

What happens when iron levels are low?

When your iron levels are low, it leads to iron deficiency anemia. There’s a decrease in the flow of oxygen to your organs and tissues. Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional disorders in the world. Taking daily iron supplements is an important part of managing iron deficiency anemia.

Why is iron important during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a woman’s body needs double the amount of iron it usually does to help supply oxygen to the baby. This extra demand increases the risk of developing iron de ficiency anemia. If left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can cause pregnancy complications like premature birth, low baby weight, and postpartum depression.

Why does iron deficiency increase during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a person’s body needs much more iron to help supply oxygen to the baby. This extra demand increases the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia.

What is the best treatment for anemia?

Oral Supplements. Oral iron supplements are the most common treatments for anemia. They can be taken as a pill, a liquid, or a salt. There are a variety of different types available, including: ferrous sulfate. ferrous gluconate. ferric citrate. ferric sulfate.

What to do if your body is not absorbing iron?

If your body has difficulty absorbing iron from food, a supplement can help you get the dose you need of this essential nutrient.

How to prevent iron deficiency?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends a diet rich in iron to prevent iron deficiency. The academy says that your body absorbs two to three times more iron from animal sources than it does from plant-based sources, but eating foods rich in vitamin C with plant-based iron can increase absorption rates.

What is the body's ability to absorb iron?

Iron Deficiency and Diet. According to the American Society of Hematology, your body absorbs only a small amount of dietary iron. Cells lining your gastrointestinal tract absorb iron from food and release it into your bloodstream, where a protein called transferrin attaches to it.

What is the difference between vitamin deficiency and iron deficiency?

The Mayo Clinic describes anemia as a condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells in your body to transport oxygen adequately to your muscle tissues. Iron deficiency anemia is caused by inadequate levels of iron in your body, while vitamin deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of folate and vitamin B12.

What are the side effects of iron pills?

Common side effects of iron pills include diarrhea, constipation and nausea. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people may also experience chills, chest pain, dizziness, headaches, a metallic taste in their mouth, abdominal cramps and an increased heartbeat.

How much iron is in clams?

Clams. A 3-ounce serving of cooked clams provides 126 calories, almost 22 grams of protein and almost 3 milligrams of iron. Spinach. A 1-cup serving of raw spinach provides 7 calories and almost 1 milligram of iron. The recommended daily iron intake varies depending on your age and sex:

How many calories are in a 3 oz serving of liver?

Beef liver. A 3-ounce serving of braised beef liver contains 162 calories, almost 25 grams of protein and 6 milligrams of iron. Oysters. A 3-ounce serving of Pacific oysters, served raw, provides 69 calories and over 5 milligrams of iron.

Can you take iron pills for anemia?

Your doctor may recommend iron pills to treat iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplements for anemia are typically available over the counter, and come as pills, liquids or salts. These iron supplements contain different forms of iron, including ferrous sulfate, ferric citrate, ferrous gluconate and ferric sulfate.