Iron Supplements

About Iron Supplements

Iron is an essential nutrient for the human body that supports a number of physiological processes. Iron is often supplemented for iron deficiency anemia and is typically the first nutrient people think of when energy levels are low. Iron assists with transporting the most essential nutrient for the human body-oxygen! Without enough iron, tissue oxygenation plumets, which dramatically affects cellular health and can contribute to brain-fog and sleepiness.

The experience of iron-deficiency can be compared to a healthy person spending time at a high altitude, where oxygen is thin. Specifically, iron aids in the formation of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells (erythrocytes) that transports oxygen. Other signs and symptoms of anemia are pallor, poor immunity, dizziness and light-headedness. 

There are many other important functions of iron in the body, most of which are not that commonly known. Iron is used as a cofactor for the synthesis of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a catecholamine, and is produced in the same biochemical pathway as adrenaline and noradrenaline. Dopamine is an important part of the reward pathway, with low levels linked to addictive behaviour and restless leg syndrome.

Iron supplements are available in a number of different forms, with chelates and diglycinates at the top of the list. These quality types of iron supplements offer enhanced absorption and a much lower risk of side effects, such as constipation. Iron Amino Acid Chelate and Iron Diglycinate are forms of iron in which the mineral is bound to amino acids, ensuring a high quantity makes its way from the gut to the blood, then the tissues and organs of the body where it is needed.

Sporty's Health only stock premium iron products, so you don't have to concern yourself over absorption and bio-availability. Check out our range of quality iron products to find which one best suits your needs. Iron is typically lower on vegan diets, as they do not contain the highly absorbable heme iron. To boost the absorption of plant based iron, always take it with vitamin C.