The most important nutrient combination for women!

About 70% of the iron in the body is found in haemoglobin and myoglobin. While haemoglobin is the primary transporter of the life-giving oxygen from lungs to the rest of the body in the red blood cells, myoglobin is in the muscle cells and makes the acceptance, storage and release of oxygen possible. About 25% of the body’s iron is in ferritin, a blood cell protein which stores iron for future use in case of inadequate diet intake. Approximately 20% of the oxygen in our bloodstream is used by the brain which is why iron plays a major role in brain health.

The vitality of iron for the body cannot be stressed enough because iron deficiency is dangerous and may cause fatigue, body weakness, poor concentration, headaches, heightened sensitivity to cold and a host of other chronic ailments. Although iron is better absorbed from heme sources (primarily found in meat), non-heme iron (primarily found in plant) is better regulated causing less damage to the body if taken in excess. Sources of iron include spirulina, pumpkin seeds, dry fruits, lentils, dark green leafy vegetables, chicken liver, sea food, beef and lamb. Citrus fruits and juices (vitamin C) aid in the absorption of iron.

It is estimated that about 40% of the women worldwide are anemic. The iron level in ferritin is much higher in men compared to women. Also, women lose considerable amount of blood every month during menstruation which is why anemia is more common in women. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency during pregnancy because your body needs more iron to support the increased maternal red blood cell mass. This will help your baby be healthy after birth and have enough iron stores to last the first 6 months of his/her life.

Folic acid (B9) is a water-soluble vitamin.  It therefore needs to be consumed everyday as the body does not retain it. It is very important for the synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA, production of healthy red blood cells and to aid in rapid cell division and growth. It is especially important for pregnant women or women looking to get pregnant as it prevents neural tube defects (NTD) – serious birth defects of the spinal cord and brain. It is recommended to start taking folic acid every day at least a month before getting pregnant. Dark green vegetables are rich in folic acid. A dosage of 400 mcg pre-conception is ideal and is to be increased during pregnancy on consultation with the doctor.

Purayati’s folic acid and iron tablet is made with the recommended daily dosage of the nutrients for women of child bearing age and anyone with an iron deficiency.