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Have you been feeling extra tired, irritable and lacking concentration lately?

Yep, we know, it’s been that kind of year.

But if you’re always feeling exhausted and rundown and can’t pinpoint the cause, you may be low in iron.

Turns out iron is really important for our health, and not having enough of it causes more than a few issues.

What role does iron play in health?

An essential mineral, iron plays many important roles in your body and one of the best known is in oxygen storage and transportation.

Your red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein called haemoglobin, which is crucial in capturing and transporting oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

In your muscles a similar protein, this time called myoglobin, stores oxygen, ready for your cells to use in energy production.

Not enough iron means not enough haemoglobin or myoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen transport which can leave you feeling tired, short of breath and with low immunity.

Women suffer most from low iron

Humans lose iron through sweat, shedding intestinal cells and blood loss.

Iron deficiency is very common, especially in women.

In fact it’s estimated one in four Aussie women have low iron levels, compared to one in 30 men.

The main reasons include not eating enough iron rich foods; troubles absorbing iron; and blood loss during menstruation.

Signs you’re low in iron

Iron deficiency isn’t always easy to spot, especially in the early stages.

This mineral is important for a number of functions in your body, so a deficiency can show up in other ways than just fatigue, that you should look out for.

If you experience dizziness, allergies, frequent colds or flues, headaches, pale skin, restless legs or dry or damaged hair or skin, you may benefit from more iron.

How to treat low iron — and getting your energy back

Ideally you’re able to keep your iron levels up through your diet.

Red meat is iron rich, but so are leafy vegetables like spinach, as well as lentils, beans and tofu.

If dietary levels are inadequate, iron supplements can be a great way to get back on track.

GO Healthy GO Iron 1-A-DAY uses Ferrochel®, a chelated form of non-haem (the type found in plant foods) iron, that passes through the stomach and small intestine without breaking apart.

Meaning you don’t get the gastrointestinal side effects often experienced with iron supplementation.

And, GO Iron 1-A-DAY includes vitamin C as ascorbic acid, shown to help your body absorb and use iron, and B vitamins which also play a role in energy production, maintaining and supporting nervous system health, and the development of red blood cells.

The high strength and convenient 1-A-Day formula is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

And there you have it, energy problems sorted.

Now to tackle the Christmas shopping.

* This post is brought to you by GO Healthy’s GO Iron 1-A-DAY Capsules, New Zealand’s No. 1 selling supplement brand in pharmacies.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.