*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Iron

Iron is important in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.

A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.

Good sources of iron

Good sources of iron include:

liver (but avoid this during pregnancy)
red meat
beans, such as red kidney beans, edamame beans and chickpeas
nuts
dried fruit - such as dried apricots
fortified breakfast cereals
soy bean flour

Department of Health and Social Care advice is to limit the amount of red and processed meat you eat. This is due to the probable link with bowel cancer.

Read more about red meat and the risk of bowel cancer.

How much iron do I need?

The amount of iron you need is:

8.7mg a day for men aged 19 and over
14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 49
8.7mg a day for women aged 50 and over

Women having periods after the age of 50 may need the same amount of iron as women aged 19 to 49.

You should be able to get all the iron you need from your daily diet.

Women who lose a lot of blood during their monthly period (heavy periods) are at higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia and may need to take iron supplements.

Speak to a GP or a registered dietitian for more advice.

Find a registered dietitian on the British Dietetic Association website

What happens if I take too much iron?

Side effects of taking high doses (over 20mg) of iron include:

constipation
feeling sick
being sick
stomach pain

Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.

What does the Department of Health and Social Care advise?

Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take iron supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful.

Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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