Description
Iron Citrate
Iron is an essential mineral found in the human body. It plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body and myoglobin, another protein that provides oxygen particularly in muscle tissue (1). Iron is also important for energy production, immune system function, and the regulation of body temperature. Additionally, it is needed to form healthy connective tissues, physical growth, cellular function and the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones (2).
Iron has two forms: heme and non-heme. Heme iron comes from animal proteins in the diet such as meat, poultry, and seafood whereas non-heme iron can be found in plant based and iron-fortified foods like grains, legumes and fruit and vegetables (1). Around 25% of iron is stored in the body in the form of ferritin (3), a protein that binds to iron and stores it in cells. Ferritin is found in the liver, spleen, bone marrow, and muscles and is transferred throughout the body by transferrin (1).
In the UK, the recommended nutrient intake (RNI) for Iron is 8.7mg/day for men and 14.8mg/d for women. While the levels vary depending on age, the British Nutrition Foundation suggestions can be found in table 1 (4).
Table 1. Recommended Nutrient Intakes for Iron (4)
| Age |
Male |
Female |
Pregnancy |
Lactation |
| 0-3 months |
1.7mg/d |
1.7mg/d |
|
|
| 4-6 months |
4.3mg/d |
4.3mg/d |
|
|
| 7-9 months |
7.8mg/d |
7.8mg/d |
|
|
| 10-12 months |
7.8mg/d |
7.8mg/d |
|
|
| 1-3 years |
6.9mg/d |
6.9mg/d |
|
|
| 4-6 years |
6.1mg/d |
6.1mg/d |
|
|
| 7-10 years |
8.7mg/d |
8.7mg/d |
|
|
| 11-14 years |
11.3mg/d |
14.8**mg/d |
|
|
| 15-18 years |
11.3mg/d |
14.8**mg/d |
|
|
| 19-50 years |
8.7mg/d |
14.8**mg/d |
* |
+6mg/d at 0-4 months
+2.5mg/d at 4+ months |
| 50+ years |
8.7mg/d |
8.7mg/d |
|
|
*The RNI during pregnancy may vary, please consult your healthcare practitioner
**Insufficient for women with high menstrual losses where the most practical way of meeting iron requirements is to take iron supplements
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world and can lead to a variety of health problems. It is often seen in women who are menstruating, children, vegans and vegetarians and pregnant women (1). Deficiency happens in different stages. The first stage is mild and occurs when iron stores are depleted however red blood cells are not yet affected. The second stage shows a marginal deficiency where iron stores are low, and erythropoiesis is altered. The last stage results in iron deficiency anaemia as there isn’t enough iron to make haemoglobin for red blood cells (5). This may cause symptoms such as weakness and fatigue, light-headedness, hair loss and brittle nails, shortness of breath and sensitivity to cold (1).
If pregnant or breast-feeding, taking Levodopa, Levothyroxine or Proton pump inhibitors, please consult your health care practitioner before using this product.
Epigenetics Iron Citrate is produced in a convenient, vegan friendly capsule. Recommended daily dose is 1 serving per day taken with a meal, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. This product is not intended to be used as an alternative to a varied diet.
Ingredients
| Ingredient |
Amount per serving |
ECRDA* |
| Iron (from Ferrous citrate) |
10 mg |
71%* |
† Percent Daily Reference Intakes (RI) not established.
INGREDIENTS: Microcrystalline cellulose, Ferrous citrate, Vegetable capsule (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose).
Suitable for vegans
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Iron is a key component of haemoglobin in erythrocytes. It helps transport oxygen around the body and stores it in muscle tissue as myoglobin. Additionally, Iron can help the body form healthy connective tissue, aids in neurological development, helps support physical growth, and assists in the regulation of hormones and cellular function (2). It also helps the body absorb other nutrients such as vitamin C. Iron is mainly absorbed through the small intestine and during digestion, iron molecules are broken down into smaller pieces and transported across the intestinal wall, where they enter the bloodstream. Iron is then transported throughout the body and stored for later use in the form of ferritin (3).
Iron comes in two forms: heme iron and non-heme iron. Both forms are important to the body, but they differ in their absorption and bioavailability. Heme iron is found in animal sources such as red meat, poultry, and fish. It is the most absorbable form of iron and is readily absorbed by the body. Non-heme iron is found in plant foods such as grains, vegetables, and fruits. It is not as easily absorbed as heme iron, nor is it as readily used by the body. Heme iron is more easily absorbed than non-heme iron because it is in a form the body can use, whereas non-heme iron needs to be converted into a form the body can use.
Pregnant Women and Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a common condition in pregnant women, affecting up to 20% of pregnant women worldwide (6). IDA is caused by a lack off iron in the body, which can lead to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and a decrease in the amount of haemoglobin in the blood. Pregnant women require an increased demand for iron during pregnancy and IDA can have serious consequences for both mother and foetus, including an increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight and maternal mortality (7). The World Health Organisation estimates the prevalence of IDA in pregnant women is 36.5%, making it a cause for concern (8). Research suggests that supplementation during pregnancy can prevent IDA in pregnant women (2) and one review found that supplementing with 9-90mg iron per day reduced the risk of anaemia in pregnant women by up to 70% (9). Likewise, another study encourages women to take prophylactic doses of iron before conception or at the beginning of the pregnancy (10), and to consume an iron-rich diet. However, levels should be monitored and assessed regularly so please consult with your healthcare practitioner before taking Epigenetics Iron supplements.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Infants and Toddlers
Iron deficiency anaemia is a common health problem in infants and toddlers and can lead to a variety of health issues. Symptoms may include fatigue, pale skin, rapid heart rate, poor appetite, frequent infections, and brittle nails. It can also lead to delayed physical and mental development. Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency because of their rapid growth and developmental needs. Studies have shown that enteral iron supplementation of at least 1 mg/kg/day for infants born preterm or with a low birth weight helps reduce the risk of iron deficiency (2). It is therefore important to ensure that infants and toddlers are getting enough iron in their diet and to supplement with iron if necessary.
Iron deficiency is a condition caused by a lack of iron in the body. It is a major public health concern and is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world (11). It is particularly prevalent in developing countries and can cause a range of symptoms, from fatigue and weakness to pale skin, chest pain and fast heartbeat. Other symptoms include headache, dizziness or light-headedness, cold hands and feet, and shortness of breath. Iron deficiency anaemia can cause reduce appetite, changes in taste, and craving for non-food items. It can also cause brittle nails, frequent infections, and a sore tongue. If untreated, iron deficiency can cause serious health problems, including an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
Infants and children under the age of five are most at risk of deficiency due to their rapid growth and developmental needs. Likewise, women are more likely to develop an iron deficiency, as their bodies lose iron more easily during menstruation and during pregnancy. People with gastrointestinal disorders, such as coeliac disease and Chron’s disease, may be unable to absorb enough iron from their diet, making them more prone to iron deficiency as well as those with heart and kidney failure. Additionally, vegans and vegetarians are at a greater risk of iron deficiency due to their limited sources of dietary iron (2). Conditions such as H.pylori infection or those with genetic disorders such as hemochromatosis or anaemia of chronic disease may affect iron absorption (5). To reduce the risk, iron supplementation may be necessary however we recommend talking to your healthcare practitioner first.
Iron supplements can interact with certain medications and should not be taken by certain individuals. Taking iron supplements with Levodopa and Levothyroxine may decrease the effectiveness of these drugs. Additionally, taking iron supplements with Proton pump inhibitors may reduce iron absorption due to lower acidity of the stomach content (2). People who have had gastrointestinal bleeding, anaemia, or any other conditions associated with iron deficiency should not take supplements without talking to their healthcare practitioner beforehand.
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