Iron, Calcium and Folic Acid

What is it and Why is it Important?

Iron is a mineral that helps build red blood cells, muscle proteins and healthy bones.
During teenage years, the body’s need for iron increases when you begin menstruating.
Women need more iron due to menstruation.
Some women develop iron–deficiency, called anemia, because of pregnancy, heavy monthly menstrual periods and low iron diets.

Calcium is a mineral that strengthens bones and teeth. It is the main substance in bone.
Calcium is vital for many of the body’s functions, such as blood clotting and the proper function of nerves and muscles.
Additional calcium is needed between the ages of 9–18 and during pregnancy.
Your bones store calcium so that your skeleton will remain strong later in life. If your body does not get the calcium it needs from your diet, it takes calcium from the only source that it has: your bones. This can lead to brittle bones, shortened height and even a hunched back later in life.

Folic Acid (or folate) is a B vitamin that all women of childbearing age MUST take 400 micrograms of every day.
If taken daily, folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the brain and spine like Spina Bifida or "open spine."
About half of all pregnancies are unplanned. That is why you need folic acid if there is any chance you could get pregnant. By the time you realize you are pregnant, your baby’s brain and spine are already formed.

Instructor Tips:
Explain the importance of consuming enough calcium, iron and folic acid to stay healthy.