Iron Supplements

About Iron Supplements

Iron is an essential micronutrient for the human body, supporting a number of physiological processes. Iron is a well-known treatment for anemia and is often 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, we simply do not oxygenate our tissues well, which as you can probably imagine would lead to substantial sleepiness. The experience of iron-deficiency anemia can be compared to 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). 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 well known. Iron is used as a cofactor for the synthesis of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a catecholamine, and is synthesized in the same biochemical pathway as adrenaline and noradrenaline. Dopamine is an important part of the reward pathway, with low levels believed to be linked to addictive behaviour. Low dopamine levels have also been linked to restless leg syndrome.

Iron supplements are available in a number of different forms, with cheltes and diglycinates at the top of the list when it comes to absorption and a low risk of side effects, such as constipation. These two form of iron have the mineral bound to amino acids, which ensure a high quantity makes its way from the gut to the blood, tissues and organs of the body.