A popular mineral supplement that may harm brain health
0
Most of the useful, that your body needs can be found in the foods you eat. Supplements are not necessary unless you are prone to some kind of deficiency. Taking supplements not controlled by a doctor can lead to serious health problems.
According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, you should “avoid” iron supplements. This metal can “harm” brain health, PCRM warns.
“Take iron supplements only as directed by your doctor.”
How careful should you be? >
Iron is a vital component of the blood, it helps carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of our body.
An increase in the level of iron in the brain is a known feature of aging and some brain diseases. This has raised concerns that changes in iron levels may increase a person's risk of dementia.
“There is conflicting evidence about whether changes in blood iron levels increase a person's risk of dementia, but researchers have found a link between increased iron content in the brain and worsening of symptoms,” reports Alzheimer's Research UK.
Other health authorities have also expressed concern but are also reluctant to draw conclusions.
“Current research shows that there is likely a link between naturally occurring metals and the development or progression of Alzheimer's disease,” the Alzheimer's Society (AS) said in a statement.
How much iron do you need?< /h2>
According to the NHS, the amount of iron you need is:
- 8.7mg a day for men over 18.
- 14, 8 mg per day for women aged 19 to 50.
- 8.7 mg per day for women over 50.
Leave a Reply