Iron deficiency is not as simple as low iron or ferritin levels.

We all have an Iron Recycling System (RES) that helps our bodies produce 24 mg of iron every 24 hours.

Our bone marrow uses this iron to help make more red blood cells. These red blood cells live for about 120 days and are then promptly broken down, and this process is repeated.

There is an RDA for iron (8 mg for men and postmenopausal women, and 18 mg for menstruating women), but it’s important to note that our bodies make 24 mg of iron every day.

Fun fact: It takes 25 mg of iron to support red blood cells’ production.

What else impacts this iron recycling system?

Copper levels. Iron is meant to be in constant circulation with the recycling system. Ceruloplasmin, regulated by copper and vitamin A, and ferroportin help make this happen. When copper or vitamin A levels are inadequate, ceruloplasmin will be low and impact this system.

While iron is important for a healthy body, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Other nutrients like copper and vitamin A also impact how we use iron in the body and should be considered with low iron levels. Learn more about copper here!

You can also check out season 1, episode 6 of the Are You Menstrual? Podcast to learn more about the connection between copper and iron.

I also have two episodes that provide a deep dive into iron that you may find interesting, here are part 1 and part 2.

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