One of the most common causes of fatigue is low iron, but how exactly does iron increase energy? Iron is like a delivery truck that carries oxygen from our lungs to every cell in the body. Our cells then combine oxygen with sugars from the diet to produce a form of energy called ATP.
Every action the body does, including moving muscles, thinking, making hormones, and digesting food, requires ATP. Iron deficiency is a rate-limiting-step in the production of ATP, meaning that if we are not making enough ATP to meet energy demands, low iron is the most likely culprit.
Although fatigue is the most common sign of low iron, other symptoms such as poor memory and concentration, depression, headaches, hair loss in women, and a weak immune system also arise if the body is not able to make enough ATP. In children, iron deficiency can present as poor cognitive development, behavioural concerns, and ADHD.
Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world. In Canada, low iron is most often found people with heavy periods, vegans, vegetarians, during pregnancy and lactation, and in people taking acid-blocking medications or digestive issues that reduce iron absorption.
The best way to understand your iron status with a blood test called ferritin. It is important to note that normal adult ferritin is defined as falling within the range of 5-272 ug/L. However, this is a wide range, and you can imagine that someone with a ferritin of 7 ug/L would feel very different from someone with a ferritin of 200 ug/L.
In fact, research shows that iron supplementation can be beneficial for people experiencing fatigue in cases where ferritin is not low enough to cause iron deficiency anemia. Studies suggest aiming for a ferritin level of 70-100 ug/L so that the body has enough iron to function in an optimal way.
Great nutritional sources of iron include meat, fish, lentils and soy. When we are unable to obtain enough iron from the diet, it is helpful to take an iron supplement to achieve optimal levels.
Floradix Liquid Iron by Salus is a gentle, effective supplement that increases iron levels in the body. It contains ferrous gluconate, which is an effectively absorbed form of iron that does not cause constipation or digestive upset. The liquid form of Floradix makes it easy to adjust dosing and is more well-absorbed than pills or tablets.
Each serving of Floradix provides vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12. These vitamins work synergistically with iron to promote the formation of healthy red blood cells. In addition, B vitamins are essential for the conversion of oxygen into energy once it has been delivered to our cells.
Floradix Liquid Iron is flavoured with nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and herbs that have been selected to improve the digestion and absorption of iron and give the body a boost of antioxidants. It is free from alcohol, lactose, and artificial additives, and is vegetarian-friendly.
Optimal iron levels are essential for our overall wellness. If you are experiencing symptoms of low iron, especially fatigue, Floradix Liquid Iron by Salus is clinically proven to increase iron stores and boost energy.