Pumping Iron Dr. Kate Rheaume and Natural Factors

Iron deficiency is a common nutrient deficiency. Iron plays a central role in the hemoglobin molecule of our red blood cells where it functions in transporting oxygen throughout the body. Iron also functions in several key enzymes in energy production.  Often the dietary intake of iron does not adequately satisfy the body’s needs. This is particularly common in menstruating women, who lose iron every month, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Vegetarians are at an increased risk for iron deficiency, since their iron intake is often low.  Furthermore, since adequate stomach acid is needed to absorb iron, absorption tends to decline with age due to decreasing stomach acid levels.  This puts the elderly at great risk for iron deficiency, as well as people who frequently use antacid medications.

Anemia is a condition in which the blood is lacking in red blood cells or hemoglobin. Iron dependent enzymes involved in energy production are the first to be affected by low iron levels, which is one reason iron deficiency causes fatigue. That being said, don’t assume you need an iron supplement just because your energy is flagging! A blood test that measures serum ferritin, the iron storage protein, is the best way to determine iron deficiency. Individuals that are at low risk for iron deficiency (like men and non-menstruating women) shouldn’t take iron “just because”.

The most easily absorbable form of dietary iron is red meat, especially liver.  Good non-meat sources of iron include beans, molasses, dried fruits, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. The absorption rate for heme (meat) source of iron is up to 30% while the absorption rate for the vegetable sources is approximately 5%. Non-heme iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C which is naturally present in many iron-rich vegetables, like spinach.

Iron supplementation is often required to raise iron levels. Ferrous sulfate is the most common iron supplement, but it is notorious for causing constipation. Ferrous pyrophosphate is a form of iron that is so gentle on the stomach it is used in infant cereals.  Sunactive Fe is micronized (very small particle size) ferrous pyrophosphate that is microencapsulated to allow it to be dispersed and assimilated easily. Sunactive Fe is extremely safe, stable, has no taste and is free from gastrointestinal side effects.^. Natural Factors provides Sunactive Fe in HemoFactors, a great tasting chewable tablet providing all of the benefits of this unique form of iron.

Key References:

1.         Fairbanks VF and Beutler E. Iron. In: Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 7th Ed. Shils ME and Young VR (eds). Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, PA, 1988 pp193-226

2.         Jacobs AM, Owen GM: The effect of age on iron absorption. J Gerontol 1960;24:95-6.

3.         Agarwal R.Nonhematological benefits of iron. Am J Nephrol. 2007;27(6):565-71.

4.         Fidler MC, Walczyk T, Davidsson L, et al. A micronised, dispersible ferric pyrophosphate with high relative bioavailability in man. Br J Nutr. 2004 Jan;91(1):107-