The first menstruation? Is it worth reaching for iron?

The first menstruation – a turning point in every woman’s life, often associated with many emotions and fears. It is worth being prepared for it and knowing that the first periods may be associated with fluctuations in minerals, including iron – an element necessary for the proper functioning of our body. Find out when we should consider iron supplementation during the first menstruation.

The first menstruation is an extremely important moment in puberty and is a positive, natural change that indicates that your adolescent is developing properly. The time of its appearance is an individual feature of every adolescent woman. This is influenced, among others, by genetic conditions, but also lifestyle and diet. The first menstrual bleeding may be different in nature and at irregular intervals. They are often preceded by characteristic symptoms such as abdominal pain and cramps, irritability or mood swings. However, the menstrual cycle should stabilize over time.

Menstrual bleeding and iron levels in the body. When should you consider iron supplementation?

With heavy periods, along with increased blood loss, there is a risk of increased iron requirements. This element is extremely important because it is part of hemoglobin – the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen to the tissues, and myoglobin – a dye that stores oxygen in the muscles.

Iron also helps in the proper functioning of the immune system and supports the maintenance of normal cognitive functions. Remember that a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.

Sometimes, however, it is difficult to ensure an adequate supply of iron through the diet alone. As we know, puberty is associated with various trends, often they are related to the diet. Teenagers often limit or give up eating specific food products, e.g. animal products, which contain the most digestible form of iron, the so-called heme.

Let’s not forget that the period in which a girl begins to menstruate is also a period of dynamic development of the teenager’s body – rapid growth and weight gain, which may be associated with an increased demand for iron.

According to nationwide studies, the average iron content in daily food in the diets of girls and women was 10,2 mg, while the recommended consumption in girls aged 10-18 years after the onset of menstruation is 15 mg [1].

How to prevent iron deficiency in your daughter – how to recognize them?

A properly balanced diet is key to keeping the amount of iron in the body at an appropriate level. However, when we observe states such as:

1. Quick fatigue
2. Somnolence
3. Low concentration
4. Difficulty remembering
5. Hair loss
6. Fragility of nails
7. Cracking at the corners of the mouth

Dryness and pale skin may indicate an increased need for iron in the body [3].

In this case, in addition to using an appropriate diet, it is worth considering the supplementation of products available on the market with an innovative form of iron in the form of iron (III) pyrophosphate subjected to micronization and emulsification.

Thanks to micronization, that is, large fragmentation, the absorption of iron from iron (III) pyrophosphate is twice as high, which is confirmed by scientific research [2]. What’s more, the iron contained in these types of preparations is released in the intestines, not in the stomach – thanks to this, you do not feel any discomforts from the digestive system such as abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or constipation. Moreover, such iron does not stain the teeth and does not cause a metallic aftertaste in the mouth. A very good tolerance of an iron-containing dietary supplement is especially important if the iron is supplemented over a long period of time. Therefore, you should pay special attention when choosing the right product.

Dietary supplements cannot be used as a substitute (replacement) for a varied diet.

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