Iron losses in human body

Determination of RDA for iron has been based upon the fact that in the United States, iron intake is frequently inadequate in four population groups.

• Infants and young children (6 months to 4 years) because of low iron content of milk and other preferred food, rapid growth rate, and body reserves of iron insufficient to meet needs beyond 6 months.
• Adolescents in their early growth spurt because of rapid growth and needs of expanding red cell mass.
• Females during child bearing years because of menstrual iron losses
• Pregnant women because of their expanding blood volume, demands of fetus and placenta, plus blood losses to be incurred in childbirth.

Basal iron losses that average about 0.7 to 1.0 mg/d are exhibit by the adult male and the post-menopausal.

Assuming an average iron absorption of 10-15% an intake of 10 mg iron daily appears generous for these population groups.

Basal losses of iron plus increased needs have been considered in formulating the RDA for those groups frequently at risk.
Iron losses in human body