Iron Chelate

Iron Chelate: What Is It?

Did you know that iron performs a variety of essential functions in the body? Indeed, while iron is primarily involved in transferring oxygen from the lungs to tissues, it also plays a central role in metabolism as a component of key proteins and enzymes, among many other functions. Given this, the importance of regularly consuming an adequate quantity of iron is quite clear. Unfortunately, modern agricultural practices have made it so that most food stables are far less nutritionally dense than our ancestors or what nature intended. This makes meeting our vitamin and mineral nutrition needs challenging, which is why more and more consumers are turning to nutritional supplements to fill the gaps. There are many forms of iron, let's discover the benefits of iron chelate.

As consumers become more well-versed in nutritional supplements, most want to be sure they’re getting the best value and quality. Consumers soon discover that not all forms are created equal when it comes to mineral supplements. This is undoubtedly true of iron. Indeed, iron supplements come in a wide range of forms, from oxides to sulphates and gluconates, all of which are inexpensive to produce and, more significantly, cannot be used efficiently by the body. Conversely, chelated forms of minerals – a chemical compound in which a metal molecule (mineral) and an organic molecule (ligand) are combined. This ligand is a critical component of a chelate that transforms the previously inorganic molecule into an organic mineral that the body can readily recognize and use without needing bioconversion. Chelated iron has thus been chemically altered to allow it to pass through the digestive system without breaking apart, making it highly bioavailable to the body.

BENEFITS OF IRON CHELATE

• Boosts Natural Energy Production
• Helps Prevent & Reverse Low Iron
• Helps Relieve Fatigue & Tiredness Associated with Low Iron
• Promotes the Formation of Hemoglobin In Red Blood Cells
• Supports Bone Formation

WHO NEEDS IRON CHELATE?

An iron supplement may be suggested to prevent low iron blood levels, preventing iron deficiency anemia in high-risk patients. Infants who are breastfed or fed formula that is not sufficiently fortified with iron and children who are picky eaters may need an iron supplement due to rapid growth. Vegetarians and vegans may also greatly benefit from an iron supplement because vegetables are lower in iron than meat. Seniors are also typically low on iron, and pregnant and lactating women may also have low iron due to the increased demand for iron. Those taking oral contraceptives, aspirin, steroids, antacids, and anti-coagulants may also experience low iron.

IRON CHELATE POTENCY, FORMS & FORMATS

Iron chelate supplements are widely available in capsules and tablets and in liquid form. They are typically offered in potencies ranging between 18 and 25 mg. 

FINAL THOUGHTS ON IRON SUPPLEMENTS

When taking an iron supplement, it's important to pay attention to what you are taking it with because iron absorption can be decreased when calcium, magnesium, manganese, or zinc is taken simultaneously. However, taking your iron supplement alongside Vitamin C can be beneficial and will increase iron absorption in the intestines. 

If you are fighting an infection, do not take your iron supplement because iron encourages the proliferation of bacteria. Finally, it’s worth noting that studies have shown that chelated iron causes fewer adverse effects than other iron preparations (including stomach distress).