MICROgenics^® Iron Plus

Iron is an essential mineral found in the body and plays a central role in many biochemical processes. The main function of Iron is to facilitate oxygen transport through the oxygen carrying component of red blood cells called Haemoglobin and oxygen storage within the muscle cells called Myoglobin.

Low iron in the body is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies throughout the world. Those affected most are vegetarians/vegans and those with low protein intake through the diet.

Iron absorption is negatively affected by the following:

• Zinc supplements compete for iron absorption. However, zinc in foods may not interfere with iron absorption
• High-dose calcium supplements reduce absorption . Take calcium supplements 2 hours away from Iron supplements
• Phytic acid in whole grains
• Oxalic acid in vegetables – spinach chard, chocolate and berries
• The tannins in tea and coffee may reduce Iron absorption , consume these beverages away from

Iron rich foods and Iron supplementation

Healthcare Practitioners are aware that absorption of iron from foods depends on the source and form of Iron. There are two forms of dietary iron: haeme and non-haeme. Haeme iron is found in meat, fish, oysters and poultry, and is absorbed more efficiently by your body than non-haeme iron. Non-haeme iron is provided mainly by plant foods such as lentils, beans, leaf vegetables, nuts, fruit, tofu, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, grains and fortified foods. It is recommended to consume haeme and non-haeme iron together as this increases non-haeme iron absorption.

Iron, B vitamin and Folic acid supplements provide the following Health benefits:

• Assists in the improvement of general well being
• Helps maintain healthy iron levels with a low constipating form of iron
• Reduced the risk of dietary Iron deficiency
• Assists to maintain normal healthy blood
• Supports the oxygen carrying components of red blood cells and muscle cells helping to maintain healthy energy levels
• Assist in maintaining a healthy nervous system

Fatigue/Energy

• Signs and symptoms of dietary Iron deficiency are commonly seen as fatigue and lethargy, poor stamina and breathlessness on exercising, poor concentration and memory and reduction in resistance to infection
• Iron assists in maintaining normal healthy blood by providing optimal exchange of nutrients and oxygen to the body to function at peak performance and maintaining healthy energy levels
• B vitamins are necessary for optimal physiological process especially when it comes to increased lifestyle demands, including physical and mental stress. They assist in converting food to energy and participate in many biochemical reactions including the regulation of metabolism
• Increase in Iron requirements often occurs in pregnancy, heavy menstruation, vegetarians and vegans and gastrointestinal disturbances. Taking an iron supplement reduces the risk of developing dietary Iron deficiency in those susceptible.
• Vitamin C is included to facilitate the uptake of Iron in to the body

Blood health

• This formula helps to maintain normal healthy haemoglobin and myoglobin levels, supporting the oxygen carry components of your blood
• Folic acid is considered a blood tonic as it helps to maintain normal healthy blood

Memory and Concentration

• Iron is important for optimal brain function and development. Taking an iron supplement may help cognitive functions including memory, concentration and learning .
• Iron is an essential cofactor in the synthesis of neurotransmitters
• Iron supplementation can improve general well being
• B vitamins play a major role in energy pathways, producing neurotransmitters in the brain which assist in maintain a healthy nervous system

Preconception care and Pregnancy

• Taking MICROgenics® Iron Plus twice daily will provide 500mcg of Folic acid. Folic acid may reduce the risk of a woman having a child with birth defects of the brain &/or spinal cord such as spina bifida and anencephaly if taken in conjunction with a healthy diet.
• Poor folate status 1 month prior to conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy is an independent risk factor for neural tube defects. Supplementing with folic acid during this time may reduce this risk.
• Spina bifida is a developmental birth defect involving the neural tube whereby incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube results in an incompletely formed spinal cord.