In order to live a healthy and energetic life it is necessary to replace a substantial amount of red blood cells every day. However, this essential bodily function works only with a sufficient iron supply. An inadequate quantity of blood cells leads to a lack of oxygen and nutrients in the blood and, consequently, weakens the whole body. In order to maintain vibrant health the recommended allowance of iron is 18 mg. Studies show that all too many young people simply do not get enough iron from their daily diets, particularly vegetarians who consume no red meat.
Iron deficiency remains a common affliction.
In fact, it is now considered the most widespread deficiency disease in the industrialized Western world. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently conducted a study on the prevalence of iron deficiency in the U.S. population. A recent clinical study in Sweden also revealed that a prevalence of iron deficiency exists among teenagers. Poor dietary habits, growth requirements, and the menstrual loss in females were cited as reasons for this common occurrence. The New Jersey team reported that the women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia had less energy and consumed less iron in their diet than the women who were not anemic.