Natural Iron Supplements: The Benefits of Plant-Based Iron

Iron is an essential mineral that your body requires to maintain optimal health. There is a common misconception that iron is only obtained by eating meat and that iron deficiency is more prevalent amongst vegans and vegetarians.^[1] Natural, plant-based iron supplements and food can provide the iron your body needs and in some cases may even help prevent iron toxicity. If you need to shore up your iron levels, then consider the benefits of plant-based iron.

Optimal Absorption

There are two primary sources of dietary iron — plant and animal foods. The technical terms for these are heme iron and nonheme iron, respectively. There has been a lot of investigation into the absorption differences between these two types of iron. Although animal, or heme, iron is absorbed faster, it can actually overwhelm your body and even lead to a serious iron imbalance known as iron toxicity. In contrast, the body absorbs plant, or nonheme, iron at a more controlled rate. Slow, regulated absorption helps keep your body's iron levels optimal and in balance.^[2]

Fewer Health Risks

Low iron levels can lead to fatigue, chills, brain fog, or worse: iron deficiency anemia. Too much iron can lead to vomiting, intense abdominal pain, and even organ failure. Plant-based iron is absorbed more slowly and that helps maintain normal iron balance, which translates to fewer health concerns.^[3] In contrast, heme iron from animal sources (blood and tissue) has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer.^{[4, 5, 6]} One study reported that increasing your heme iron intake by just one milligram per day could increase your risk of heart disease by 27 percent.^[7]

Cofactors and Conutrients

Your body has a complex set of mechanisms that work together to absorb, store, utilize, and monitor iron. Vitamin C, for example, supports your body’s ability to absorb iron.^[8] Likewise, gut health significantly influences iron uptake.^[9] By obtaining your iron from dark leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, you will also get the added benefit of vitamins, trace minerals, prebiotics, and antioxidants. A healthy and consistent intake of fruit and vegetables ensures you don't miss out on these vital nutrients.^[10]

Environmental Impact

There are reasons that extend beyond health concerns why someone may prefer a plant-based diet or lifestyle. Many people prefer to minimize their environmental impact. A diet that includes meat requires more energy, land, and water resources to support. Sticking with plant-based supplements and food for your nutritional needs reduces your environmental impact.^[10]

Best Sources of Plant-Based Iron

There are nearly endless options when it comes to plant-based sources of iron. Spinach, kidney beans, and pumpkin seeds are just a few options that are packed full of iron and other vital micronutrients. However, when it comes to traditional iron supplements in the form of tablets or capsules, there are far fewer plant-based choices. Global Healing is trying to change that. We always source our products with high quality, vegan ingredients, and our iron supplement is no different.

Iron provides an ideal serving of plant-based iron from organic curry tree leaves along with a proprietary blend of organic thyme and echinacea. Iron is manufactured in the United States and is the best vegan iron supplement on the market. If an iron supplement is right for you, try it today and experience the benefits of plant-based iron.

References (10)

1. Angela V. Saunders, Winston J. Craig, Surinder K. Baines and Jennifer S. Posen. "Iron and vegetarian diets." Med J. (2013): 199.
2. Monsen, E.R. "Iron nutrition and absorption: dietary factors which impact iron bioavailability." J Am Diet Assoc. (1988): 786-790.
3. Hunnicutt, J., He, K., Xun, P. "Dietary iron intake and body iron stores are associated with risk of coronary heart disease in a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies." J Nutr. (2014): 359-66.
4. Kaluza, J., Wolk, A., Larsson, S.C. "Heme iron intake and risk of stroke: a prospective study of men." (2013): 334-339.
5. Bastide, N. M., F. H. F. Pierre, and D. E. Corpet. "Heme Iron from Meat and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-analysis and a Review of the Mechanisms Involved." Cancer Prevention Research 4.2 (2011): 177-84.
6. Yang, W., Li, B., Dong, X., et al. "Is heme iron intake associated with risk of coronary heart disease? A meta-analysis of prospective studies." Eur J Nutr. (2014): 395.
7. Cook, J.D., Monsen, E.R. "Vitamin C, the common cold, and iron absorption." Am J Clin Nutr. (1977): 235-241.
8. Hoppe, M., Önning, G., Berggren, A., Hulthén L. "Probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v increases iron absorption from 2 an iron-supplemented fruit drink: a double-isotope cross-over single-blind 3 study in women of reproductive age--ERRATUM." Br J Nutr. (2015): 114.
9. Farmer, Bonnie, Brian T. Larson, Victor L. Fulgoni, Alice J. Rainville, and George U. Liepa. "A Vegetarian Dietary Pattern as a Nutrient-Dense Approach to Weight Management: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004." Journal of the American Dietetic Association (2011): 819-827.
10. Pimentel, D., Pimentel, M. "Sustainability of meat-based and plant-based diets and the environment." Am J Clin Nutr. (2003): 660-663.

†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.

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