Category: Iron health

Iron deficiency affects a significant portion of the population, leading to fatigue and other health issues. Thorne Iron Bisglycinate is a chelated form of iron designed to effectively address deficiencies with fewer side effects than traditional iron supplements, making it easier for the body to absorb and utilize the mineral.

According to one study, combining L-lysine with iron supplements significantly increased ferritin levels in women who previously saw no change with iron pills alone. This highlights a complex and intriguing relationship between the essential amino acid lysine and iron metabolism, challenging the idea that standard iron therapy is always effective on its own.

High amounts of supplemental iron can lead to acute or long-term toxicity, potentially causing serious organ damage. Therefore, knowing if it is safe to take multivitamin iron twice a day is essential before altering your supplement regimen.

For over 5,000 years, ginger has been a staple in traditional medicine, but its impact on iron metabolism is nuanced and complex. While some studies show that ginger can aid in increasing iron absorption, others highlight its potential to help manage iron overload, leading many to question: does ginger reduce iron levels?

According to the National Institutes of Health, vegans are often advised to consume a higher amount of iron compared to non-vegans due to the lower bioavailability of non-heme iron from plant sources. This means that while non-vegans may have lower iron needs, vegans need to be more mindful of their intake and absorption strategies to ensure they meet their nutritional requirements.

According to a 1985 study, liquorice extract was found to promote, rather than inhibit, intestinal iron absorption in rats, setting it apart from tannin-rich teas. This finding is vital for understanding whether licorice tea affects iron absorption and distinguishing its effects from common black and green teas.

Inflammation is a key driver of increased hepcidin levels, which can lead to functional iron deficiency and anemia in chronic diseases. Managing hepcidin is crucial for improving iron availability, with certain supplements showing promise in research.

According to one study, low ferritin with normal hemoglobin is a common, yet often overlooked, hematological disorder. Functional medicine goes beyond simply replacing iron to uncover the specific root causes contributing to low ferritin levels, which can manifest as fatigue, hair loss, and other symptoms.

Studies suggest that a single egg can decrease iron absorption in a meal. The impact of eggs on iron absorption involves proteins in the egg that bind to iron.

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. Understanding the specific benefits of taking ferritin supplements can be crucial for those with low iron stores, offering a targeted approach to improving overall health.