Low Iron...or is it?
Lately, I have been asked at least once a week about the best iron supplement. However, this is only part of the question of correcting low iron levels.
A couple of things first
I never recommend supplementing iron unless you know (via blood or hair test) it is needed. Some people have a long history of low iron (genetic, chronic gut issues, heavy menstrual flow), and they may know when their iron is low as they have had that many tests. For these people, a test may not be needed. But I would still ask for one, based on the other factors that influence iron levels (see below).
Many iron supplements will cause constipation, which can lead to nausea, bloating, reflux, etc. So compliance becomes an issue. Finding an effective way to increase iron without creating other issues is essential.
Standard pathology testing will usually only test Ferritin. Although this is an improvement over just testing iron, you are still only getting part of the picture. So getting Transferrin and Transferrin saturation is always a good idea.
As for supplementation, a few of my favourites are:
SpaTone - is my preferred one, but it is liquid, so it does not suit all. Clinically proven to not cause constipation with a bioavailable form, no less iron is needed (i.e. more effective.)
Maltofer (chemist) -well-tolerated, usually cheaper than SpaTone, a preferred option with many in the medical community
Fusion Iron Advanced - well tolerated, in a pill form for those who can't stomach the liquids.
Floradix is a good liquid option for kids as it tastes better again.
Desiccated liver and spleen might also be good options - the key is to find a reputable source from grass-fed and organic animals.
Remember, when it comes to supplements, you should choose a liquid, over a powder, over a capsule, then a tablet last to maximise absorption. Liquids are more easily absorbed than powders, which are better absorbed than capsules and so on.
When it comes to any nutritional deficiency, I recommend you consider the following:
Intake - are you eating enough of this nutrient? In the case of iron, vegans and vegetarians may struggle with intake as plant-based iron is not as prevalent as animal-based iron sources.
(Food sources include organ meats, clams, oysters, dark chocolate, spinach, octopus, mushrooms, hemp seeds, goji berries and cashews, to name just a few.)
Loss - more so with iron than other nutrients, menstrual flow can be a significant source of iron loss if the flow is heavy or for more extended periods each month.
Digestion- is your body breaking down, activating and absorbing this nutrient. We need adequate stomach acid levels to absorb iron. We know that certain bacteria strains will help absorb iron as well.
Other causes - In the case of iron specicfally, high inflammation levels can also negatively affect iron levels. We also need adequate B vitamin intake to create haemoglobin to carry iron around the body. Not surprisingly, stress can affect iron levels as B vitamins are in high demand in the body during periods of high stress. Specific genetic issues can also affect iron levels, such as Thalassaemia and Haemochromatosis.
It is essential to address this deficiency as low iron levels can cause fatigue, paleness, breathlessness, insomnia, behavioural issues, headaches, and dizziness. Failure to respond to iron supplementation and/or adequate diet intake can be signs of another issue that needs to be addressed, sometimes before iron supplementation.
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss this topic further.
Disclaimer: This blog is for information purposes only. By providing, the information contained herein, we are not diagnosing, treating, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment of any sort, we advise you seek the advice of a qualified health professional.