Iron

Please note the following referenced scientific research is for informational use only. The results reported below may not necessarily occur in all our customers. The information should not replace advice from your health care practitioner. This information should not be read to recommend or endorse any specific product.

Iron is needed in the transport of oxygen to cells by boosting haemoglobin production. Haemoglobin is the iron-containing oxygen transport protein in the red blood cells. When the oxygen reaches a cell it is then transformed to help produce cellular energy, this process is known as cellular respiration (converting energy from oxygen molecules into adenosine triphosphate [ATP - the form of energy used by cells]). A decrease in iron leads to less energy available to cells and this can then result in fatigue and lethargy (iron deficiency signs). It’s important to consult your doctor if you are concerned about your iron levels.

Energy

  • Iron is an essential mineral that supports energy production via heme-containing enzymes that support the synthesis of ATP (the primary energy storage in cells) and via nonheme iron-containing enzymes in the citric acid cycle that are critical to energy metabolism (Linus Pauling Institute 2020) (Aggett et al. 2012).

Antioxidant

  • Iron can act as an antioxidant and present beneficial pro-oxidant functions (Linus Pauling Institute 2020).

Red Blood Cell Production & Blood Oxygen

  • Iron is required to make red blood cells and a deficiency in this micronutrient may cause anemia as a result of inadequate production of red blood cells (Abbaspour et al. 2014). 

  • Iron is an essential component of proteins and enzymes that support oxygen transport and storage (Linus Pauling 2020).

Immune System

  • Iron is vital for the proliferation of all cells including those of the immune system - studies show the link between iron deficiency and impaired T lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell essential for proper immune system function) (Braun & Cohen 2015, 1099).

Brain Function

  • A deficiency of iron is associated with impaired cognitive function (Braun & Cohen 2015, 590). 

  • Iron is required for normal brain function through its involvement in cellular metabolism, synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin (Linus Pauling Institute 2020). 

  • Iron is essential for neurotransmitter synthesis (Dichtl et al, 2018).

References

  • Braun, L., and Cohen,Marc. 2015. Herbs & Natural Supplements An Evidence-based guide Volume 2. 4th ed. Australia: Elsevier.

  • Abbaspour, N., Hurrell, R., & Kelishadi, R. 2014. “Review on iron and its importance for human health”. Journal of research in medical sciences : the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, 19. 2 (Feb); 164–174. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3999603/ 

  • Linus Pauling Institute - Micronutrient Information. 2019. Iron. https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iron 

  • Aggett PJ. Iron. In: Erdman JWJ, Macdonald IA, Zeisel SH. 2012. Present Knowledge in Nutrition. 10th edn. Wiley-Blackwell.

  • Dichtl, S., Haschka, D., Nairz, M., Seifert, M., Volani, C., Lutz, O., Weiss, G. 2018. “Dopamine promotes cellular iron accumulation and oxidative stress responses in macrophages”. Biochemical Pharmacology, 148 (feb): 193-201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bcp.2017.12.001