Six Essential Vitamins & Minerals for Women’s Health

Most of the iron in your body is found in hemoglobin, the protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. Teenage girls and women of childbearing age, especially women with heavy menstrual periods and pregnant women, are at greater risk of developing iron deficiency anemia because of their increased need for iron. Iron requirements in pregnant women are approximately double that of non-pregnant women. The recommended daily allowance for iron is 15 mg for young girls ages 14 to 18, and 18 mg for women ages 19 to 50. It is recommended that women over the age of 50 get 8 mg of iron daily. Red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, green leafy vegetables, molasses and whole grains are dietary sources of iron. Eating fortified cereals and enriched bread products are another way to get more iron in your diet.