How much iron should a 60 year old woman take?

How much iron should a 60 year old woman take?

The USDA recommends that women between the ages of 19 and 50 get 18 mg of iron a day, while women ages 51 and older and men 19 years and beyond need 8 mg a day.

Why should older women not take iron?

Too much iron can be toxic and may damage the liver, the heart, and the pancreas. An excess of iron can also be bad for your joints, leading to arthritis and chronic pain. Older adults who have unusually high levels of iron are also at increased risk for diseases such as Type 2 diabetes and various types of cancer.

Do 60 year olds need iron?

The mineral iron, found in a variety of foods, is important for good health. Though senior citizens (elderly) generally consume enough iron in their diet to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowances for iron, there are other factors that may contribute to iron deficiency anemia in this population.

Is iron deficiency common in older women?

Iron-deficiency is the second most common cause of anemia in the elderly. The most foremost reasons for iron deficiency in this age group are blood loss, nutritional deficiencies, medications, cancer therapies and poor absorption.

What are side effects of taking iron?

It can cause side effects such as stomach upset and pain, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Taking iron supplements with food seems to reduce some of these side effects. However, food can also reduce how well the body can absorb iron. Iron should be taken on an empty stomach if possible.

Is iron deficiency common in the elderly?

A very common diagnosis in older adults is iron-deficiency anemia. If you are diagnosed with this type of anemia, be sure the doctors have checked a ferritin level or otherwise confirmed you are low on iron.

Is iron good for older women?

Iron for Older Women. When you stop menstruating, your iron needs decrease significantly. Women over the age of 50 need 8 milligrams of iron a day, the same as men. However, while your needs may be significantly less, that doesn’t mean you’re not at risk for deficiency.

Do women need extra iron?

Women need more iron because they lose blood each month during their period. That’s why women from ages 19 to 50 need to get 18 mg of iron each day, while men the same age can get away with just 8 mg. After menopause, a woman’s iron needs drop as their menstrual cycle ends.

How much iron do women need?

Iron Requirements. While women of childbearing age need 18 milligrams of iron daily, women over 50 need only 8 milligrams. It’s easy to get 8 milligrams of iron daily by eating a healthy diet.