Iron is an essential element for life and therefore its homeostasis is crucial for our health. Our organism can use iron in the following two processes:
Our
bodies do not contain mechanisms for controlling the excretion of iron,
thus regulation of iron levels occurs only during the absorption
process, in combination with the recycling mechanisms and the
utilisation sites. The homeostatic control of iron is mainly made by the
intestinal epithelium which actively absorbs iron from food. Despite
the fact that only a small amount of iron is absorbed, this process is
well regulated by a negative feedback mechanism in accordance to the
iron levels inside the body. Generally, the amount absorbed is around
2mg which counters the loss of iron though urine, faces, sweat and even
dead skin cells. Women have an extra loss due to their menstrual cycle.
Nutritional Info: Dietary iron exists in two forms, heme and non-heme iron. Heme is maintained soluble by pancreatic enzymes while non-heme form gets precipitated by numerous dietary constituents that render it non-absorbable. Ascorbic acid, which is commonly co administrated with iron supplements, increases ferric and ferrous salts absorption, by chelating iron and thus preventing other compounds from attaching and making it unavailable.
Animal sources contain mainly heme iron and include meat, poultry, seafood and eggs. Plant-based sources of iron contain non-heme forms and include legumes, tofu, nuts, brown rice and whole grain cereals.
The RDI of iron depends your age and sex. Generally, an adult man needs around 8mg while women below 50 around 18mg.
Coffee, tea, red wine and calcium-rich foods, are common examples of food that can inhibit iron absorption.
Pharmaceutical Technology: An
iron containing supplement with a patented SiderAl technology based on a
sucrosomial formulation (with phospholipids,emulsifiers, fatty acid
esters). A liposome is a spherical vesicle containing at least one lipid
bilayer. This structure can be loaded with hydrophobic and/or
hydrophilic molecules and deliver them effectively by fusing with other
bilayers such as the cell membrane. This method increases the absorption
rate while also minimises many adverse effects. In the case of iron,
constipation which is a common complain during therapies, can be avoided
since iron does not come in direct contact with the intestinal mucosa.
Dossage: 1 tablet per day
As always, our decisions should be based on evidence. Like all the supplements, SiderAl should not replace an approved medicinal form of iron. Also, improving your understanding around iron supplements and iron physiology through internet, should not replace your GPs expert opinion. Nevertheless, for people who are healthy or they have a small reduction in their hematocrit levels (HCT), or people who can not tolerate other forms of iron or even women with heavy periods, this supplement is a clearly safe choice and from my working experience i can guarantee that patients love it. Personally, i grade SiderAl series of products at the top three supplements i know.
Goes Well With | Ideal for |
Vitamin C prolonged release by Vitorgan | Anemia |
TONOTIL by Vianex | Heavy menstruations |
Complete B-12 by Life Extension | Heart Failure cases |
Vegetarian diets |