Not getting enough iron or having an iron-deficiency is something that affects about 9% of women that are at a reproductive age. This number is even higher for women who are physically active.

Why is getting enough iron important? Iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body. Women often experience a deficiency in iron due to menstruation and pregnancy. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t get enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen leads to exhaustion that affects the brain all the way to your immune system.

Signs you may not be getting enough iron:

• Fatigue
• Breathlessness
• Brittle nails
• Unusually pale skin
• Lack of endurance in regular physical activities
• Unusually sore muscles
• Weak immune system (frequently sick)
• You’re losing your hair
• Crave things like dirt or clay

Great sources of iron:

• Lentils
• Chicken or beef liver
• Oysters, clams, or mussels
• Beef
• Broccoli
• Kidney beans
• Tomatoes
• Eggs
• Brown rice
• Spinach

If you think you might have symptoms of iron deficiency, see your physician.