Iron

Iron is a chemical element with the symbol "Fe". Iron is responsible for supplying cells with oxygen in the red blood pigment (hemoglobin). Around 30% of the body's iron is bound in hemoglobin. A further 20% is found in iron stores (ferritin).

In the muscles, iron is used to store oxygen. Iron also plays an important role in the provision of energy in the cell. Iron is also involved in the formation of hormones and other messenger substances. Women before menopause in particular often suffer from iron deficiency, the reason for this is menstruation.

The permitted health claims for iron are as follows:
- Iron helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
- Iron contributes to normal cognitive function.
- Iron contributes to normal energy metabolism.
- Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin.
- Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body.
- Iron contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system.
- Iron has a function in cell division.
- Iron contributes to the normal cognitive development of children.

To help your body absorb iron better, it should always be taken in combination with vitamin C.

As an essential trace element, the human body cannot produce iron itself. We therefore have to take in iron through our diet or through food supplements. With a healthy and balanced diet, this is usually not a problem.

The actual daily requirement is 1 mg for men and 2 mg for women. However, due to inefficient absorption, the dietary intake for adults must be 14 mg.

The Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) recommends a daily intake of 14 mg of iron. To meet your daily iron requirements, you should eat foods with a high iron content. These include meat, pulses, mushrooms and cereal products made from wholemeal flour, as well as parsley.