IRON AND ZINC: FOR THE WELFARE OF WOMEN
Iron supplements
Zinc supplements
Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin - the main component of red blood cells, and myoglobin - a molecule that carries oxygen in the muscles. Zinc is an essential ingredient for more than 300 enzymes involved in key biological functions in the body.
Researchers at Deakin University (Australia) reveal the importance of iron and zinc in maintaining the health and physical and psychological wellbeing in women. Linda Byrne and colleagues looked at published studies on the importance of iron and zinc in women. The researchers found that the increase of iron, taken with supplements, produces an improvement of memory and intellectual capacity, and the increase in zinc, which is also assumed even through supplements, an improvement in depressive symptoms in women who had already had depression or had low zinc levels.The researchers observed that: "Iron supplementation appeared able to improve memory and intellectual capacity ... regardless of whether the participant has had any iron initially insufficient. The literature indicates a positive effect of zinc on on cognitive function and emotional state "
The researchers also claim that the intake of iron and zinc can help improve mood and memory of a woman and can be a way to deal with the cognitive decline in old age.
"The results of this study provide review testify to the importance of iron and zinc in maintaining both physical and psychological health in women," concluded the study author, Dr. Linda Byrne. "However there is still so much we do not know in this field. There have been few studies that examine zinc individually, for example, and we do not have enough information to know whether similar results can be achieved only through the change of diet."
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiency in the world and women are particularly at risk as they regularly lose blood that contains iron. Also experience the pregnancy, which increases the need for iron, and are less likely to consume substances rich in iron available than men. It is estimated that between 10-20 percent of adult women had experienced low levels of iron. Less is known about the levels of zinc instead of women.
"Unfortunately, we know very little about the status of women as zinc is a nutrient difficult to measure in the body," said Professor Riddell.
Source: Worldhealth
Iron supplements
Zinc supplements