Iron
Iron
Iron is essential for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream but can be challenging to digest. Inorganic iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, have low bioavailability and can cause gastric upset. Albion chelates bind iron to amino acids of low molecular weight to produce a natural, organic chelate that remains intact in the stomach and is small enough to be absorbed through the intestinal wall.
Health Benefits of Iron
Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over two billion people are anemic. Iron is an important component of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to tissues and helps fight fatigue. Iron is also essential to healthy cell function and helps form many of the proteins and enzymes that maintain good health.
When Iron is added to products, it can help support:
- Energy
- Immune health
- Cognitive function
- Cardiovascular health
- Fetal and infant development
Products
The properties of our two iron ingredients make them an excellent solution to problems caused by iron salt forms, such as ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate.
Ferrochel® (ferrous bisglycinate chelate) is a highly bioavailable form of iron that is well tolerated, non-reactive (electrically neutral), safe (GRAS), Kosher, and Halal. Studies have shown Ferrochel® to be superior to ferrous sulfate in preventing anemia during pregnancy and much better tolerated (non-constipating, lower overall gastric side effects). Ferrochel® is the best choice for prenatal supplementation.
Taste-Free Iron (ferric glycinate) has been demonstrated to be safe and effective. It is covered by 2 patents and is GRAS, as well as Kosher and Halal. Its low reactivity and taste-free features make it ideal for fortifying certain foods and being used in supplement forms, such as chewables, liquid, and drop suspensions. When it comes to iron ingredients, we are excited to support your business needs.
When iron is added to products it can help support your consumer’s active lifestyle. Our chelated minerals and technologies offer solutions for various markets. Explore our iron products to see how each has a unique function and offers important health benefits to your consumer.
*These statements have not been evaluated by FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Iron-Source Characteristics
| Benefits | Ferrochel® | Iron Salts |
| High bioavailability | v | |
| Electrically neutral | v | |
| Well-tolerated, easy on the gut | v | |
| Viable for dairy products, even with pasteurization | v | |
| Drawbacks | ||
| Pro-oxidant effect* | v | |
| Cause of flavor in foods | v | |
| Cause color changes in foods | v | |
| Interferes with other nutrient absorption | v | |
| Requires Vitamin C for absorption | v |
*Pro-Oxidant Effect is a negative characteristic of the vast majority of iron salts. This reactive tendency is what gives these other iron forms many of their undesirable effects.
Product Codes
| Product Form | Product Code |
| Ferrochel® (Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate) | 03509 |
| Iron Taste-Freee™ | 03466 |
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