Dr Zoue Lloyd-Wright is an integrative clinician and nutritionist based in London and medical advisor for Noble Naturals.
Iron deficiency anaemia is the number one deficiency in the world
Is there a way to treat it with none of the usual side effects?
Iron deficiency anaemia is a problem globally across both developed and underdeveloped countries. In the UK nearly 16% of pre-school children and up to 25% of school-aged children suffer from this, as well as 18% of adults. For over 30 years the World Health Organisation (WHO) has considered IDA as one of the top five serious targeted global health problems. Unlike most nutritional deficiencies, IDA is not confined to underdeveloped and developing countries
People do not always realise that they are iron deficient, but this should not be ignored as a lack of iron or inadequate levels of iron can lead to long-term health problems. The first step in addressing iron deficiency is to consume a varied diet which contains plenty of iron-rich foods such as dark leafy vegetables (kale, spinach, dandelion); legumes (lentils, peas, tofu, kidney beans, cannellini beans); fruits (dates, prunes and figs): protein sources (meat, poultry and fish); as well as blackstrap molasses, hemp seeds and of course iron-fortified foods.
It is important to note that foods containing phytates (e.g., cereals and grains) and polyphenols (e.g., tea and coffee) may decrease iron absorption by 33% to 50%. The soil in the United Kingdom is very low in iron, and the nutritional value of crops in the last ten years has shown decreases in iron concentrations with the greatest in green leafy vegetables by 43%.
Nano Mineral Iron is an elemental iron in structured water that potentially has beneficial application in this key global health priority – without inducing the redox cycling in the gastrointestinal tract caused by standard supplements because it is bio available and not subject to the primary absorption routes. Redox cycling is the biochemical processes the body uses to absorb iron in its ionised (Fe2+ and Fe3+) form in compounds. Iron absorption happens via the enterocyte cells on the duodenum and upper jejunum of the small intestine.
One of the main limiting factors in the treatment of IDA is the gastrointestinal adverse side effects of soluble iron supplements. With over one billion people severely affected by IDA – it remains the most prevalent nutritional deficiency disorder in the world, with increased morbidity and reduced cognitive development.
Fundamentals of iron
There are two types of iron, Heme-iron (derived from haemoglobin and myoglobin) of animal food sources called ferrous iron (Fe2+) and non-Heme iron (derived from plants and iron-fortified foods) called ferric iron (Fe3+). Ferrous iron is absorbed much better than ferric iron and can be an effective supplement if taken in smaller quantities. However, if someone is anaemic or urgently requires iron in larger concentrations, ferrous iron supplements will affect the gut health adversely, and they will start to experience a range of unpleasant side effects such as stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness, disturbed intestinal floral, constipation, dark stools and a metallic taste in the mouth. Iron is absorbed best on an empty stomach. Ferrous iron also produces free radicals in the intestines, which impacts gut microflora, wherein the bad bacteria tend to prosper, lowering the good bacteria, which alters the intestinal balance. All these lead to a range of side effects especially bloating, and at the extreme end there may be some faecal blood. Ferrous iron works synergistically with vitamin C and to a lesser extent with vitamins A, D, B2, B12, folic acid and magnesium.
Many of my patients say ‘why can the health profession not come up with an iron supplement that is pleasant, with no unnecessary side effects?’
Nano mineral iron can address iron deficiency in a perfectly pleasant and gentle way, solving the worldwide problem with IDA.
How much iron do supplements contain?
Iron compound supplements can also contain fillers, residues, additives, excipients and adulterants.
On standard iron supplements there are two numerical amounts of iron listed on the labels. The higher number is the amount of iron-containing compound in the product, the lower number is the amount of iron in the compound – so-called elemental iron. Most liquid iron supplements contain ferrous gluconate, and are only 12% elemental iron. This does not fare much better for solid iron supplements which contain between 12 to 15% e elemental iron in a compounded form. The liberation or release of the iron from the iron compound supplement, occurs in the entire gastrointestinal tract, especially the upper, which contains the stomach. In healthy individuals there is usually 10 to 15% absorption and those with IDA the body can absorb up to 50%. This is extremely important when a healthcare professional prescribes an iron supplement or a specific dose of iron for the individual. Generally, all types of iron supplements help to increase red blood cell production but they vary in cost and amounts of elemental iron available.
All the above can be alleviated and resolved by using nano mineral iron, which is entirely elemental iron and therefore not bonded to anything. Nano mineral iron contains the smallest possible particles between 0.5 and 7nm in the purest elemental form, dissolved in purified water. The product completely bypasses the gut and is absorbed as whole nanoparticles directly in the cells via the soft tissue in the mouth (oral mucosa). Unlike many conventional iron supplements, nano mineral iron does not require solubilisation in the stomach prior to its uptake. Once through the oral mucosa nano mineral iron is immediately absorbed into two very important sites for health: the Cerebrospinal Fluid (the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord) and the Central nervous System (brain and spinal cord).
Nano mineral iron therefore provides an economic, safe and effective oral iron solution which can help to combat the world’s most common nutrient deficiency – Iron Deficiency Anaemia – with no unpleasant side effects.
To find out more about more about how nano iron and other essential nutrients can improve your health and the health of your clients, get in touch.
If you would like to become part of the Noble Naturals practitioner team with regular lives, discounts and support from the Noble Naturals team to transform common problems with effective protocols, contact Jose@noblenaturals.co.uk
Website: www.noblenaturals.co.uk
Email: zoue@noblenaturals.co.uk