Iron is an essential nutrient in human health. It has many functions. Some of iron’s important roles involve cognitive development (eg: supporting a child’s ability to learn), immune function, cardiovascular health, energy production as well as synthesis of healthy red blood cells (eg: iron helps RBCs carry oxygen through the body).
Iron found in foods comes in two forms: heme and non-heme iron.
Heme iron is most commonly found in animal products like red meat, seafood, and poultry. This type of iron is most easily absorbed by the body. Sources of heme iron include:
- Red meat (for example, beef, lamb, goat, or venison)
- Fatty fish
- Poultry (for example, chicken or turkey)
- Eggs
Non-heme iron can be found in plants and iron-fortified products. This type of iron is less easily absorbed by the body and will require careful planning to get enough iron for your baby. Sources of non-heme iron include:
- Iron-fortified infant cereals
- Tofu
- Beans and lentils
- Dark green leafy vegetables
Pairing non-heme iron sources with foods high in vitamin C can help you better absorb the iron needed. Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables include:
- Citrus fruits like oranges
- Berries
- Papaya
- Tomatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Dark green leafy vegetables
Iron bioavailability also depends on dietary composition. Heme iron, which is found only in meat, poultry, and fish, is two to three times more absorbable than non-heme iron, which is found in plant-based foods and iron-fortified foods. The bioavailability of non-heme iron is strongly affected by the kind of other foods ingested at the same meal. Enhancers of iron absorption are heme iron (in meat, poultry, and fish) and vitamin C; inhibitors of iron absorption include polyphenols (in certain vegetables), tannins (in tea), phytates (in bran), and calcium (in dairy products). Vegetarian diets, by definition, are low in heme iron. However, iron bioavailability in a vegetarian diet can be increased by careful planning of meals to include other sources of iron and enhancers of iron absorption [3]
Without underlying genetic disorders, having enough iron in the body may help prevent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. [1]
Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 2 billion people – over 30% of the world’s population – are anemic. Its prevalence is highest among young children and women of childbearing age (particularly pregnant women). In children, iron deficiency causes developmental delays and behavioral disturbances, and in pregnant women, it increases the risk for a preterm delivery and delivering a low-birthweight baby. As a result, iron supplements have been widely used in an attempt to raise ferritin levels to correct iron deficiency. However, inorganic iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate still have low bioavailability and typically produce undesirable side effects, such as gastric upset and nausea. Fortunately there is a better alternative. [1] [2]
Dr. Kenawy’s Easy Iron product uses a world leader manufacturer in chelated minerals. Our formula features Ferrochel®, a premier chelate from Albion Advanced Nutrition and has a very high absorption rate. Ferrochel® has been shown in studies to increase and maintain blood levels of iron. Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are included for additional support in building healthy red blood cells. †
The many unique attributes of Ferrochel (ferrous bisglycinate chelate) support its superior role as an iron supplement in humans.
- Does not interact with other nutrients
- Increased tolerability and absorption
- Safer than typical iron salts
- Supports overall health
- Vegetarian friendly
- Kosher certified
In their ordinary form, minerals are difficult for the body to absorb through the intestine. Albion does the stomach’s work in advance by producing low molecular weight mineral compounds in which the minerals are bound to amino acids to produce natural organic chelates that can pass easily through the intestinal wall.[2]
Ferrochel's many unique attributes support its superior role as an iron supplement in humans.
These include:
- Small, stable molecule with no ionic charge
- Does not react with other nutrients
- Bioavailable (easily absorbed)
- Safe
- Less gastric upset
Small, stable and non-reactive, the Ferrochel molecule is better absorbed
Because small protein peptides are easier for the body to absorb, the body will combine inorganic minerals with amino acids to take advantage of the intestine’s affinity for protein absorption. This binding process is called chelation (key-lay-shun). Albion's Ferrochel does the stomach’s work in advance by binding minerals to amino acids resulting in small, organic chelated iron molecules that can pass easily through the intestinal wall. [2]
When a mineral salt is dissolved in the stomach, the mineral becomes a charged ion that can block absorption of other nutrients or combine with other dietary factors to form unabsorbable compounds (see Figure 1). This is particularly true of iron, which can deactivate nutrients such as vitamin E and ascorbic acid and block uptake of minerals like calcium. The Ferrochel molecule is ionically neutral — it carries no electrical charge. This neutrality ensures that the mineral does not react with other nutrients and is delivered to the intestine for absorption (see Figure 2). [2]
Even with Ferrochel’s enhanced bioavailability, it is extremely safe.
Ferrochel absorption is controlled by iron stores in the body, with greater amounts generally being absorbed by individuals with lower iron status. A body suffering iron-deficiency anemia may uptake 90 percent of the iron, while a body that is not iron deficient may only take up 10 percent — or just the amount that body needs enough to offset losses in metabolism. Ferrochel has been found to be 2.6 times safer than iron sulfate and safer than typical inorganic iron found in foods and dietary supplements.[2]
The safety and effectiveness of Ferrochel is of particular importance in children. Iron deficiency anemia is closely tied to higher mortality, delayed physical development, impairment of cognitive functions and psychomotor development in prenatal and infant development. Ferrochel's ability to safely and effectively deliver critical iron during these crucial stages of development is significant. [2]
Compared to inorganic iron, Ferrochel causes less gastric upset
In clinical research comparing inorganic iron to Ferrochel, a significant number of study participants preferred Ferrochel and reported fewer instances of gastrointestinal (GI) upset than with ferrous sulfate, which is typically associated with gastric side effects such as constipation and nausea.[2]
Dr. Kenawy’s formula featuring Ferrochel®, is safe for use by pregnant and lactating women, teenagers, and adults.It has been shown through studies that it is better absorbed than other forms of supplemental iron, easy on the digestive tract and to increase and maintain blood levels of iron. Vitamin B-12 and folic acid are included for additional support in building healthy red blood cells. Our formula contains 25 mg of elemental iron per capsule of which is also vegetarian.†
†Features
- Manufactured by Albion Laboratories, a world leader in chelated minerals.
- Ferrochel® iron bisglycinate features iron chelated to the amino acid glycine. Ferrochel® is the premier supplement for enhancing iron absorption and minimizing associated side effects.
- Patented. The increased bioavailability and diminished gastric upset characteristic of Ferrochel stems from a proprietary binding process.
- Researched. There is ample clinical research backing Ferrochel’s capacity to boost iron absorption and counter iron deficiency.
- Safe. Ferrochel is Generally Recognized As Safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and holds a myriad of other safety and kosher certifications.
†Benefits
- Enhanced absorption of iron without gastrointestinal side effects, such as constipation and nausea, which are typical of non-chelated iron supplements.†
- Iron bisglycinate is shown in studies to be effective at increasing blood levels of iron.†
- Iron is an essential trace mineral that is critical for energy production as part of the mitochondrial electron transport chain; part of the cell where ATP (energy) is synthesized.†
- Iron is an important component of the antioxidant enzyme catalase, which helps neutralize peroxide radicals.†
- Iron is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells. Iron helps ensure oxygen delivery to all cells.
- Iron is also needed for amino acid metabolism, collagen synthesis, and carnitine synthesis.†
†These statements have not been evaluated by The Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your General Practitioner. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, December 3). Iron. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/vitamins-minerals/iron.html
[2] Albion Ferrochel. (2019). Ferrochel. https://www.albionferrochel.com/index.php/iron-importance/ferrochel
[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2001, May 1). Recommendations to Prevent and Control Iron Deficiency in the United States. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00051880.htm