Iron
mineral IRON elemental / ferrous sulfate /
metabolism | mood | energy | skin repair
Supplements by Withdrawal Symptom | Daily Supplements for Smoking Cessation | Detoxing Nicotine | Stay Quit Tips
Iron is an essential mineral needed for the production of healthy red blood cells, and collagen but can cause toxicity in large amounts. The research available on iron levels in current smokers and smoking cessation is mixed and limited, however it does appear that blood levels (CBCC) in non-smokers and former smokers resemble each other, implying that the changes in the blood that occur in smokers do reverse themselves after cessation. It’s advisable to consult to your doctor before taking iron supplements.
This study finds that iron concentrations do not differ between smokers and non smokers. ( 1 ) And this study shows a clear incidence of increased iron serum in smokers compared to non-smokers ( 2 ) This study from Korea found heavy alcohol use and smoking may worsen the accumulation of iron in the body. Specifically for men; the incidence of iron overload was higher in men who were heavy alcohol drinkers, for women, smokers and former smokers had higher likelihood of iron overload than non-smokers. ( 3 ) These studies suggest that the rise in Hb, (red blood cells) caused by smoking, make anemia harder to detect in smokers and that the parameters for testing for anemia should be adjusted for smokers. ( 4, 5, 6 ) Finally, this study on anemia and cigarette smoking suggests that smoking may alter iron homeostasis in smokers but does not alter serum iron, transferrin receptor and ferritin. ( 7 ) So as you can see there is much conflicting data regarding smokers and iron and cessation.
Consider the science that for iron to be absorbed by the body, the body needs vitamin c and vitamin a, both of which smokers are commonly deficient in.
Additionally, The Cleveland Clinic describes anemia as:
Anemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your body’s organs. As a result, it’s common to feel cold and symptoms of tiredness or weakness. There are many different types of anemia, but the most common type is iron-deficiency anemia. You can begin to ease symptoms of this type of anemia by adding iron to your diet.
We know from other studies that red blood cell count “rapidly falls” in smoking cessation starting as soon as 24 hours after the last cigarette, ( 8 ) other studies suggest that while smokers have more red blood cells, the cells themselves may not be healthy or as effective as the red blood cells of non-smokers at transporting oxygen through the body and storing ATP.
Lastly, iron and copper compete with one another for absorption, so having high levels of one, could lead to a deficiency in the other. We know from other studies that copper levels are elevated in smokers.
During the detox phase of cessation turmeric can be used as an iron chelator. This may help release some (if any of the iron stores or accumulation in your body before starting a supplement program).
The best way for you to know your own iron needs is to get a complete blood cell count (CBCC) panel done, preferably before you quit smoking and after you quit smoking.
The upper daily limit for iron is 18mg for pre-menopausal women and 8mg for men.
Iron is essential for your body to produce
Healthy Red Blood Cells
Collagen for skin repair
May help with these withdrawal symptoms
Fatigue (lack of energy)
Slow Metabolism
food sources | spirulina, spinach, red meat, lentils, turkey, pumpkin seeds, canned tuna