NUTRIENT PRESENTATION
iron
Found in: meat, wheat germ, sesame, spinach, lentils.
Form: Ferrochel® Iron Bisglycinate Chelate
Source: Iron bisglycinate
Supplier: Albion® Minerals, Balchem
Place of manufacture: Utah, USA
Function: Transport & storage of oxygen
Risk groups: premenopausal women, pregnant and breastfeeding women, vegetarians and vegans, growth phases (infants), puberty.
Ferrochel®, the gentle iron, is a highly bioavailable form that is well tolerated, shows no interactions with other nutrients, is electrically neutral, stable and safe.
ADVANTAGES
Iron Facts & Knowledge
Supply in Germany according to the National Consumption Study II: 14% of men and 58% of women (up to the age of > 50 years 75%) do not reach the recommended daily intake of iron [17] .
IRON AND ITS FUNCTIONS [14]
- in oxygen transport (hemoglobin) and short-term oxygen storage (myoglobin)
- in heme enzymes, which are involved in energy production in the mitochondria and detoxification performance of the body and synthesis of various hormones (cytochrome P-450).
- Cofactor in various non-heme enzymes:
-Tryptophan (serotonin and melatonin synthesis)
– Tyrosine (dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline synthesis) - Iron also regulates the formation of collagen (collagen hydroxylases), the body's most important structural protein.
IRON DURING PREGNANCY
- During pregnancy, iron requirements increase by 100% + blood loss during childbirth.
- Regular laboratory tests should be carried out, especially in the case of vegan and vegetarian diets with a high phytate intake.
- For more information on the correct blood parameters, see also our Biomarkers section.
ACCEPTED HEALTH CLAIMS
- contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin
- contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body
- contributes to normal energy metabolism
- contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- contributes to normal cognitive function
- contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system
- has a function in cell division
IRON ABSORPTION INHIBITORS [1]
- Phytate: Present in plant-based diets, shows dose-dependent effects on iron absorption.
- Polyphenols: Present in black tea, herbal tea, coffee, wine, legumes, cereals, fruits and vegetables, inhibit iron absorption.
- Calcium: Inhibits both heme and non-heme iron absorption at the initial uptake into enterocytes.
- Animal and vegetable proteins: Animal (casein, whey, egg white) and vegetable (soy protein) proteins inhibit iron absorption.
- Oxalic acid: Found in spinach, chard, beans and nuts, binds and inhibits iron absorption.
IMPROVING IRON ABSORPTION [1]
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C): Can overcome the effects of all dietary inhibitors, especially effective in diets rich in vegetables.
- Formation of chelate: Ascorbic acid forms a chelate with iron(III) ions (Fe3+) in the stomach.
- Solubility: The chelate remains soluble and effective in the alkaline environment of the duodenum.
- Preparation: Soaking, sprouting and cooking improve bioavailability.
NUTRILAB'S IRON
- Our clinically tested branded raw material Ferrochel® is the best choice for prenatal nutritional supplementation.
- Studies have shown that Ferrochel® can support adequate iron supply during pregnancy and is superior to other iron compounds in the prevention of anemia during pregnancy.
- Ferrochel® is in the form of iron glycinate, a chelate complex with glycine. Iron can be better absorbed when it forms a stable complex formed by amino acids such as glycine with divalent ions such as iron.
- When iron is bound to amino acids, it is absorbed more efficiently via amino acid transporters.
- Therefore, dietary proteins can positively influence iron absorption and better compensate for potential inhibitory effects from the diet [2].
- Better tolerability (less constipation, less intestinal discomfort and abdominal pain) results from more effective absorption.
PLANT-BASED DIET
- It is generally assumed that vegans and vegetarians have lower iron intakes than meat eaters. However, this is not true. Vegans and vegetarians actually have the highest iron intakes, while meat eaters have the lowest [16, 18, 19].
- However, trivalent iron (Fe3+) from plant foods is less easily absorbed than divalent iron (heme iron Fe2+) from animal sources.
- Due to the poorer usability of iron from plant foods, this results in a critical nutrient in a plant-based diet [12].
Folic acid contributes to the maintenance of the following functions:
biomarkers
Note: An increase in ferritin does not rule out iron deficiency anemia. If chronic inflammation is present, ferritin may be increased.
Serum iron is too unspecific and subject to circadian fluctuations. Its determination is not suitable for the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia [4, 14].
12-16 g/dl (♀); Hb 13 -18 g/dl (♂)
15-100 ng/mL (♀); 30–100 ng/mL (♂)
20–45%
0.8–2.2 mg/L
COLLEAGUES
Who does Eisen work with?
Iron works with vitamin B12 and folic acid to support blood formation.
FOR FURTHER READING
Evidence-based formulations
We use nutrients that are backed by a comprehensive body of research that is growing daily.
