Health Tip: Who's Prone to Iron Deficiency?

Menstruating women to blood donors, among others

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(HealthDay News) -- Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs to make red blood cells.

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The U.S. National Library of Medicine says these people are at greater risk for iron deficiency, and should ask their doctor about getting enough iron-rich foods:

• Menstruating women, and those with especially heavy periods.
• Women who are pregnant or who have recently had a baby.
• People who are long-distance runners.
• Vegetarians.
• People with a bleeding ulcer or intestinal bleeding disorder.
• People who donate blood often.
• People with conditions that reduce their ability to absorb nutrients from food.

-- Diana Kohnle