The role and importance of iron

Iron is an essential trace mineral for the body and plays many very important roles.

The role of iron in the body

Iron is necessary for the transport and storage of oxygen. It supports the production and proper function of red blood cells, strengthens the immune system, and is needed for growth, medication metabolism, and healthy brain function.

Like all minerals, iron is not produced by the human body, which increases the risk of deficiency. Low iron is especially common in women of childbearing age, since they lose iron every month during menstruation. People following a low-calorie, vegan, or vegetarian diet are also at risk. Excessive alcohol consumption, oral contraceptives, a poor diet, and certain pharmaceutical drugs are other factors that can lead to iron deficiency.

Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition characterized by an insufficient number of red blood cells in the blood. Iron plays a key role in the production and proper function of red blood cells.

When iron is low, we can feel weak because there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This can lead to general weakness, fatigue, and irritability, and may even affect cognitive function. If you think you may have an iron deficiency or anemia, ask your doctor to prescribe blood tests to confirm.

Benefits of an iron supplement

• Helps prevent and improve iron-deficiency anemia
• Supports the formation and proper function of red blood cells
• Provides energy and helps prevent weakness due to deficiency

Tips to increase your iron levels naturally

• Eat iron-rich foods together with foods high in vitamin C. Vitamin C helps the body absorb and use iron. For example, make a salad with strawberries and spinach, topped with a dressing that includes fresh lemon juice.
• Include plenty of iron-rich foods in your daily diet. Strawberries, spinach, grass-fed beef, liver, tomatoes, edamame, oats, cereals, kidneys, oysters, red meat, certain seafood, sardines, and other fish are excellent sources of iron.
• Limit alcohol intake, as it can deplete iron levels and reduce absorption.
• Cooking iron-rich foods helps break down cell walls, making iron easier to absorb and use.
• Avoid taking iron supplements at the same time as your morning coffee or tea, since caffeine can interfere with iron absorption.

A solution to support your iron needs

Land Art offers two different liquid iron supplements: one in a superfruit concentrate, and the other in a seven-vegetable concentrate. Both provide non-heme iron, making them excellent options for vegetarians. However, the iron supplement in the seven-vegetable concentrate contains honey, so it is not suitable for vegans.

Both supplements are formulated in a balanced liquid solution of elemental iron (gluconate and fumarate) from fruit sources. They can help control and prevent iron deficiencies. Land Art iron supplements do not cause constipation, unlike most iron supplements currently on the market.

A delicious recipe to maintain healthy iron levels

Iron-rich fruit popsicle recipe

Ingredients

• Land Art Ionic Liquid Iron (5 ml for children or 10 ml for adults, per popsicle)
• 1½ cups coconut water
• 1 cup chopped or puréed strawberries
• ½ cup unsweetened fruit juice (optional)

Directions

1. Fill the popsicle mold halfway with coconut water.
2. Add your liquid iron (5 ml per popsicle for children or 10 ml for adults).
3. Add a full spoonful of chopped or puréed strawberries (blend with a bit of coconut water if desired).
4. Add unsweetened fruit juice or more coconut water.
5. Freeze for 6 hours.
6. Enjoy!

Reference :

1. Diététistes du Canada, « Sources alimentaires de fer »; mise à jour 2016 [Doc]