Iron deficiency is widespread
The trace element iron has numerous functions in the human body. It is particularly well known for its role in blood formation and oxygen supply throughout the organism. Iron is also important for the immune system and cognitive function, among other things.
Despite the great importance of iron for our health, iron deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies worldwide. Women of childbearing age are particularly affected by a deficiency in this trace element. Taking iron supplements can compensate for this deficiency and is therefore beneficial for many people.
Our new Iron Complex preparation was developed for this purpose and contains, in addition to iron, other vital substances that support iron metabolism.
Functions of iron in the body
Iron is the central component of the red blood pigment hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells and enables the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells. An iron deficiency reduces the oxygen supply to the entire body.
Other important functions:
- Support of energy metabolism
- Maintaining mental performance
- Formation of red blood cells
- Strengthening the immune system
- Involvement in cell division
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
If our body lacks iron, our cells are less well supplied with oxygen. This can result in chronic fatigue and exhaustion, and ultimately, reduced physical and mental performance.
Other possible symptoms include paleness, shortness of breath, increased chills, or headaches. Hair loss can also be associated with iron deficiency.
How can you detect iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency can be diagnosed through appropriate blood tests. Important values include ferritin levels, erythrocyte indices (MCV, MCHC, MCH), hemoglobin levels, and transferrin saturation.
Causes of iron deficiency
The most common cause of iron deficiency is a low level of bioavailable iron in the diet.
Other possible causes are:
- Blood loss due to heavy menstrual bleeding or injuries, operations
- Frequent consumption of foods that interfere with iron absorption in the intestine (e.g. green tea, black tea, coffee)
- Increased need during rapid physical growth and pregnancy
- Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases that disrupt iron absorption and lead to loss of the trace element through the intestine
New development: Iron Complex from Allvital
Our new product Iron Complex is a combination preparation that combines iron with other micronutrients and thus effectively supports iron metabolism and blood formation in various ways and can compensate for iron deficiency.
The micronutrients contained in addition to iron promote, for example, the absorption of iron in the intestine, are involved in iron transport in the body, and play a role in blood formation. This also explains why Iron Complex has improved efficacy compared to preparations containing isolated iron.
What are the different forms of iron?
If you compare different iron supplements, you will find different names, including ferrous sulfate, ferrous chloride, or ferrous fumarate.
When developing our product, we opted for iron bisglycinate. In this compound, iron is bound to the natural amino acid glycine. This substance is characterized by high bioavailability. The iron it contains can be efficiently absorbed by the intestines and utilized by the body. This allows for a lower dosage than with other iron compounds.
Furthermore, iron bisglycinate is well tolerated when taken ingested and only rarely causes gastrointestinal discomfort at higher doses. In studies, preparations containing other iron compounds have led to more frequent gastrointestinal side effects in subjects than preparations containing bisglycinate.
By the way, iron bisglycinate is a vegan compound and therefore also suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Other ingredients of Iron Complex
In addition to iron, the following micronutrients are found in the preparation:
-
Vitamin C: Vitamin C promotes iron absorption in the intestines. Vitamin C also strengthens our immune system and is necessary for the formation of connective tissue.
-
Vitamin A: Vitamin A is important for healthy iron metabolism. This vitamin is particularly known for its importance for the health of the eyes, skin, and mucous membranes.
-
Copper : The trace element copper supports iron transport in the body. Copper is also particularly known for its role in skin and hair pigmentation.
-
Molybdenum: The trace element molybdenum is a cofactor for various enzymes. One of these enzymes is involved in iron metabolism.
How much iron do we need per day?
The German Nutrition Society (DGE) recommends a daily intake of 11 mg of iron for men. 16 mg per day is recommended for adult women with menstrual cycles, 14 mg for postmenopausal women, and 27 mg for pregnant women (1).
The only way to determine whether your iron needs are met is through a blood test. Depending on your health and lifestyle, your needs may vary from the information provided.
Iron requirements during pregnancy
As pregnancy progresses, the need for iron increases significantly, as the pregnant woman's blood volume increases to ensure the growing fetus is well supplied with oxygen and nutrients. Accordingly, pregnant women should pay particular attention to their iron intake.
Foods with iron
Iron is found in both plant and animal foods. Contrary to what one might expect, the trace element content in animal products is not necessarily higher than in plant products.
However, humans can absorb iron from animal foods, so-called heme iron, better than iron from fruits and vegetables. Plant-based iron is usually tightly bound and in the trivalent form (Fe3+). Heme iron, on the other hand, is chemically divalent (Fe2+) and can be easily absorbed in the intestine.
For the body to effectively absorb this trace element from plant sources, it must be converted into a soluble form and into divalent iron (Fe2+). Acids such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can perform this conversion step. Therefore, vitamin C improves iron absorption.
Below are some examples of iron-rich foods. The values refer to 100 g of food (2):
- Wheat bran: 16 mg
- Black pudding: 11 mg
- Flaxseed (cooked): 6 mg
- Pumpkin seed: 5 mg
- Parsley (fresh): 4 mg
- Beef (cooked): 3 mg
- Spinach (cooked): 3 mg
- Lentils (cooked): 2 mg
Why should you take iron as a dietary supplement?
If you suffer from iron deficiency, you should supplement iron at least for a short period of time and have your levels checked after a few months of taking it (e.g. 4 months).
The content of this trace element in foods can vary greatly. Growing conditions and preparation, for example, play a significant role. Therefore, even with careful diet planning, you can't guarantee that you'll actually consume enough iron to compensate for a deficiency.
Taking a dietary supplement like Iron Complex is an easy way to ensure you are well supplied.
How should you take Iron Complex?
To meet your iron needs, we recommend taking one capsule per day. Iron Complex can be taken with or without meals at any time of day.
When taking the pill, leave at least one hour between consumption and foods such as green and black tea, coffee, and red wine, as these interfere with iron absorption. Calcium-rich foods or dietary supplements also interfere with intestinal absorption.
Improved absorption, however, results from foods containing vitamin C (e.g. fruit, vegetables), fruit acids (e.g. fruit), lactic acid (e.g. sauerkraut, fermented foods) and vitamin A (e.g. carrots).
Are there any side effects when taking iron?
With iron salts such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous chloride, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and darkening of the stool can occur. These side effects are hardly a factor with the ferrous bisglycinate used in Iron Complex, especially not at the recommended dosage. If you have a sensitive stomach, we recommend taking it with a meal.
It's important to take iron according to the dosage recommendations on the packaging or according to your doctor's instructions. An overdose of iron can, among other things, lead to increased formation of free radicals, which should, of course, be avoided.
Why Iron Complex from Allvital?
Our new product offers these advantages:
- Combination preparation developed by physicians to support blood formation and iron metabolism
- Effective dosage
- Ingredients that ideally complement each other in their effects
- Free from preservatives, colorings and flavor enhancers
- Vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and GMO-free
- Produced in the EU according to strict quality standards
Would you like to benefit from all these advantages? Then simply order your Iron Complex today via your customer account or by phone.
Note: The intake of dietary supplements should be done in consultation with an experienced doctor or therapist to ensure that the appropriate dosage is taken and that no interactions with other medications occur.
Sources
- Iron. German Nutrition Society [Internet]. [Accessed on: September 9, 2024].
- German Nutrition Counseling and Information Network [Internet]. [Accessed on: September 9, 2024].
