Iron
Benefits of Iron
- Energy
- Cognitive function
- Immune system
- Red blood cells and oxygen transport
- Form: Ferrous Bisglycinate, Fumarate, Citrate
- Food source: Lentils, beans, chickpeas, tofu, dark green leafy vegetables, pumpkin seeds, dried apricots and fortified breakfast cereals.
What is Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral, and there are two types: haem iron, found in foods of animal origin, and non-haem iron, found in plants. Non-haem iron is less well absorbed, so it helps to include a source of Vitamin C with your meals. Vitamin C increases iron absorption. Many popular meal replacement and protein shakes don't contain iron.
What does Iron do?
Iron contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body, normal energy-yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system.
Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to normal cognitive function. Women have higher iron needs than men during their reproductive years, and a Cochrane review has looked at daily iron supplementation in menstruating women, including its effect on iron status. Iron is also part of myoglobin, the protein that supplies our muscles with oxygen, and researchers have looked at iron in people who exercise regularly.
The cells of our immune system, such as monocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes, closely manage their own iron, and the relationship between iron and the immune system has been studied in depth.
Haemoglobin is what gives blood its red colour, and iron status has been studied in relation to skin colour. Researchers have also looked at iron's role in hair.
You may also enjoy reading 'Why is Iron so important, particularly for women?', 'Stevia, Artificial Sweeteners & Insulin Resistance' and '5 things nutritionists wish all women knew'.
Why it's in Daily Multivitamin
Iron is essential for oxygen transport via haemoglobin and for cellular respiration through its role in cytochromes. It supports energy metabolism, cognitive function and immune defence. Both Iron deficiency and overload pose health risks, so appropriate levels - especially in menstruating women and individuals with restricted diets - are essential for maintaining optimal health.
Why it's in Pregnancy Multinutrient
Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin and for enzymatic reactions required for the creation of protein. Maternal anaemia is strongly associated with low birth weight, prematurity and impaired cognitive performance.1
Why it's in Kid's ProMulti
Iron deficiency remains the most common micronutrient deficiency worldwide. In school-aged children, low ferritin levels are associated with reduced attention span, lower test scores and impaired motor development.2
Why it's in Hair Saviour®
As Iron is a fundamental portion of haemoglobin, its levels in the body are essential for tissue oxygen saturation, including oxygen saturation of the hair follicles. Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair thinning and hair loss as it is needed for hair follicle function and hair growth.3
L-Tyrosine
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that plays a role in making hormones which help balance mood, and improve memory and performance in stressful situations.
Panax Ginseng
Panax Ginseng is acclaimed to help maintain good cognitive performance, support memory performance and contribute to normal blood circulation.
Schisandra
Schisandra has adaptogenic properties that can help increase the body's resistance to stress, and the body's ability to recover physical and mental wellbeing.
Sea Moss
Seaweeds are naturally rich in bioactive compounds including polyphenols, sterols, alkaloids, flavonoids, proteins with essential amino acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. It contains key nutrients including Iron, a lack of which can contribute to tiredness and fatigue.
Shatavari
Often referred to as the 'Queen of herbs', Shatavari has been used for thousands of years to help with cramps, irritability, and coping calmly with stress.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 contributes to normal energy metabolism, the normal functioning of the nervous system, our psychological function and our heart health.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is 'The Energy Vitamin' and is essential for the production of red blood cells, fuelling our energy and helping maintain a healthy heart.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is an antioxidant, a compound that keeps the number of unstable molecules (known as ‘free radicals') at a healthy level in the body.
