Iron

Iron is an essential mineral required for haemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport throughout the body. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, particularly in menstruating women, pregnant women, and endurance athletes. Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, impaired exercise capacity, reduced cognitive function, and eventually anaemia. The evidence for supplementation in deficient individuals is strong and consistent. What is often missed is that iron supplementation is primarily appropriate for people who are deficient, routine supplementation in iron-replete individuals can cause GI side effects and, at high doses, may have adverse effects. Absorption is enhanced by vitamin C and reduced by calcium, tea, and coffee. Ferrous forms (ferrous sulphate, ferrous gluconate) are better absorbed than ferric forms.

Also known as: Ferrous Bisglycinate, Iron Chelate