Iron
Iron has several functions and health benefits. Every living cell contains Iron. Iron is a necessary component of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrier in the blood. Iron is also important for energy utilization. However, the amount of Iron in the body is affected by many factors including physical attributes, food restriction, even exercise.
Iron, along with protein and copper, manufactures haemoglobin, the oxygen carrying pigment found in red blood cells. Several key enzymes in the body rely on iron, as does energy production and metabolism. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide, with pregnant and breastfeeding women and the elderly being most at risk. A severe iron deficiency results in anaemia, characterised by extreme fatigue and pallor. Vitamin C enhances the absorption of iron by changing it to a form that is more readily usable by the body. Food sources of iron include nuts, seeds, egg yolks, molasses, meat, poultry, liver and fish. Plant sources and dairy products contain nonhaem iron, whereas the haemoglobin and myoglobin in animal sources provide haem iron. While nonhaem iron makes up over 85% of the iron in our diet, haem iron is more easily absorbed. As an important dietary source of Iron, Solgar's Gentle Iron contains Iron Bis-Glycinate, a well tolerated form of Iron that is gentle to your system.
Solgar iron supplements are also available in chelated iron forms, which are known for their superior absorption.