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Iron and Iron Deficiency (cont.)

How much iron do I need?

If you have already been diagnosed with iron deficiency, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about treatment. For healthy individuals, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron is listed in the following table.

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for iron by age and sex.
Age/Group Life Stage Iron (mg/day)
Infants 0-6 months 0.27*
  7-12 months 11
Children 1-3 years 7
  4-8 years 10
Males 9-13 years 8
  14-18 years 11
  19-30 years 8
  31-50 years 8
  51-70 years 8
  > 70 years 8
Females 9-13 years 8
  14-18 years 15
  19-30 years 18
  31-50 years 18
  51-70 years 8
  >70 years 8
Pregnant Women 14-18 years 27
  19-30 years 27
  31-50 years 27
Lactating Women 14-18 years 10
  19-30 years 9
  31-50 years 9

*This value is an Adequate Intake (AI) value. AI is used when there is not enough information known to set a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA).

Source: Dietary Reference Intakes, Institute of Medicine, Food and Nutrition Board.*


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Iron Deficiency - Signs and Symptoms Question: What were the signs and symptoms associated with your iron deficiency?
Iron Deficiency - Detection Question: How was your iron deficiency detected?
Iron Deficiency - Treatment Question: If you have an iron deficiency, what type of treatment or supplements do you take?
Iron Deficiency - Pregnant Women Question: If you are pregnant with an iron deficiency, please discuss how it was detected and is being treated.
Iron Deficiency - Diet Question: Which iron-rich foods have you added to your diet? Have you noticed a difference in the way you feel?
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