[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”11196″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Few nutrients are as important in the human body as Iron, a mineral that is crucial for the production of red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs contain haemoglobin – an iron-rich protein that carries oxygen around the body. Anaemia typically occurs when RBCs do not contain enough haemoglobin. Lack of sufficient iron impacts the body in two stages : Iron deficiency (ID) typically precedes iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). ID is when the body’s stores of iron begin to become depleted whilst IDA is when numbers of RBCs are reduced or the amount of normal haemoglobin in the blood is reduced.

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Signs and symptoms of ID

Lack of energy, weakness, brittle nails, headache, dizziness, hair loss, swelling/soreness of the tongue, cracks in the sides of the mouth, frequent/recurrent infections. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”11199″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”11200″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space height=”16px”][vc_column_text]

Signs and symptoms of IDA

Fatigue (tiredness), shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, coldness in the hands and feet, pale skin, chest pain, weakness.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]While young girls and women are, in general, the highest risk groups for ID and IDA the following are also particularly at risk.

  • Those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding – Menometrorrhagia (prolonged uterine bleeding) is common amongst women, and 1 in 3 women from Ireland and the UK report this problem.
  • Pregnant women – Pregnancy IDA is a major global health problem, affecting nearly half of pregnant women worldwide due to high foetal needs and physiological demands to make more blood. Low body iron levels are also more prevalent in the later (2nd and 3rd) trimesters of pregnancy. 
  • New mums – ID and IDA prior to pregnancy along with excessive blood losses at delivery are common causes of anaemia after birth, with young mums being at particularly high risk. The World Health Organisation (WHO) now recognises the importance of iron supplementation for women at risk of anaemia after birth.
  • Active adults – Increased iron demands, higher rates of iron lost through sweat, foot strike hemolysis (red blood cell destruction via running) and reduced iron absorption due to hepcidin bursts (hepcidin is a hormone that regulates iron absorption) may all contribute to ID, which can, in turn, hinder exercise performance.
  • Vegetarians/vegans – Vegetarian/vegan diet choices and poor iron absorption are common causes for ID and IDA in developed countries. The modern trend towards ‘plant-based’ diets also poses a risk due to low levels of bioavailable iron.
  • Menopause – Menometrorrhagia (prolonged uterine bleeding) is common amongst women going through the menopause and a risk factor for IDA.
  • Medical conditions – Anaemia is also linked to medical disorders where there is chronic blood loss, such as in inflammatory (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), or infectious bowel disease.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As Iron can be tricky enough to get enough of from the typical modern diet (unless you fancy eating 500-700g, more than 17 cups!, of raw spinach daily!) supplementation can be the answer for many of us. However certain problems are associated with traditional iron supplements. These include constipation, gut irritation, nausea, cramping and diarrhoea. The side effects are so often so bad that people give up taking traditional iron supplements. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]We’re delighted to have finally come across a product that overcomes the side effects. Active Iron is a new generation of iron product. Using innovative protein ‘microspheres’ it delivers iron (ferrous sulfate) to where it is best absorbed by the body, while protecting the gut from damage. This avoids the unfortunate side-effects associated with other iron products. It’s a once daily capsule and is gentle enough to be taken on an empty stomach.

It also targets only real iron needs as follows : The normal iron absorber (DMT-1) is an Active Transport System. When body iron stores are low, the DMT-1 absorbs more iron. When body iron stores are high, the DMT-1 absorbs less iron. This means Active Iron delivers more iron when the body needs more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”11205″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_outline” border_color=”green”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To sum up Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia are major and common nutritional imbalances (probably second only to Vitamin D Deficiency) which for many of us can only be adequately dealt with by supplementation. Until now this has not been without its drawbacks with many harsh side effects. We feel that Active Iron could be a breakthrough for many who could benefit from Iron supplementation and will be actively promoting it as such.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Lorna who works for the makers of Active Iron will be in Only Natural on Monday the 4th of December from 11.15am to 2.15pm to answer all your questions about it and we’ll be offering it on promotion for the month of December. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]