Iron

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Iron is an integral part of many proteins and enzymes that maintain

good health. In humans, iron is an essential component of proteins

involved in oxygen transport. It is also essential for the regulation

of cell growth and differentiation. A deficiency of iron limits

oxygen delivery to cells, resulting in fatigue, poor work

performance, and decreased immunity.

Meat proteins and vitamin C will improve the absorption of nonheme

iron. Tannins (found in tea), calcium, polyphenols, and phytates

(found in legumes and whole grains) can decrease absorption of

nonheme iron. Some proteins found in soybeans also inhibit nonheme

iron absorption

Vitamin A helps mobilize iron from its storage sites, so a deficiency

of vitamin A limits the body's ability to use stored iron. This

results in an " apparent " iron deficiency because hemoglobin levels

are low even though the body can maintain normal amounts of stored

iron.

Chronic malabsorption can contribute to iron depletion and deficiency

by limiting dietary iron absorption or by contributing to intestinal

blood loss. Most iron is absorbed in the small intestines.

Gastrointestinal disorders that result in inflammation of the small

intestine may result in diarrhea, poor absorption of dietary iron,

and iron depletion.

People with chronic infectious, inflammatory, or malignant disorders

such as arthritis and cancer may become anemic. However, the anemia

that occurs with inflammatory disorders differs from iron deficiency

anemia and may not respond to iron supplements. Research suggests

that inflammation may over-activate a protein involved in iron

metabolism. This protein may inhibit iron absorption and reduce the

amount of iron circulating in blood, resulting in anemia.

The amount of iron absorbed decreases with increasing doses. For this

reason, it is recommended that most people take their prescribed

daily iron supplement in two or three equally spaced doses. For

adults who are not pregnant, the CDC recommends taking 50 mg to 60 mg

of oral elemental iron (the approximate amount of elemental iron in

one 300 mg tablet of ferrous sulfate) twice daily for three months

for the therapeutic treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

Supplemental iron is available in two forms: ferrous and ferric.

Ferrous iron salts (ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate, and ferrous

gluconate) are the best absorbed forms of iron supplements [64].

Elemental iron is the amount of iron in a supplement that is

available for absorption.

Percentage of Elemental Iron in Iron Supplements that is available

for absorption:

Ferrous Fumarate 33%

Ferrous Sulfate 20%

Ferrous Gluconate 12%

Dr. K recommends Ferrous Fumarate as the form of Iron supplementation.

Take Iron with Vitamin C or an acidic juice

Take Iron on an empty stomach

Separate taking Iron from Calcium

Take Vitamin A

Hugs

Jo