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When choosing an iron supplement, it is important to consider two factors: how much iron is available for absorption, and how likely the supplement is to cause unpleasant side effects.
When choosing an iron supplement, it is important to consider two factors: how much iron is available for absorption, and how likely the supplement is to cause unpleasant side effects.
In clinical studies, Active Iron’s unique formula helps avoid gut irritation*. Most iron supplements and tablets dissolve and oxidise in the stomach; this can cause unpleasant and sometimes severe gastrointestinal side effects (such as stomach upset and constipation). Active Iron is different, its unique formula is clinically proven to provide 2X better absorption**. As a result, more iron is available for the body to absorb, helping to avoid the common side effects.
¹Wang et al. 2017, Acta Haematologica, 138: 223-232. ²Ledwidge,M et al. PRECISION Study. Int J Clin Pharm (2023)
Women of childbearing age need 14mg of iron per day. Pregnant women require up to 30mg per day. Men and menopausal women require 9mg per day. Higher doses of iron are often needed for for people with heavy periods, partake in endurance sports and have impaired iron absorption.
A blood test will determine haemoglobin and ferritin (storage iron) levels. Clinical studies have shown that people can increase their iron levels by 94% in 6 weeks with Active Iron*.
*Ledwidge et al. 2023, PRECISION Study, Int J Clin Pharm
Every day, Healthcare professionals are recommending Active Iron to their patients.
Most iron supplements and tablets dissolve and oxidise in the stomach; this can cause unpleasant and sometimes severe gastrointestinal side effects (such as stomach upset and constipation). Active Iron is different, its unique formula provides 2X better absorption*. As a result, more iron is available for the body to absorb, helping to avoid the common side effects of iron**.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that Active Iron increases iron and energy levels whilst helping to prevent gut irritation.
*Wang et al. 2017, Acta Haematological, 138: 223-232
**Ledwidge et al. 2023, PRECISION Study. Int J Clin Pharm
The common side effects of iron supplements include nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, black stools and tooth staining.
Iron is poorly absorbed by the body and many formulations in the market claim to reduce or avoid the common side effects. Some examples include:
1. Reducing the dose significantly which can reduce the side effects. However, this can often mean to dont get sufficient iron.
2. Adding Vitamin C as an antioxidant to try and counteract some of the oxidative stress associated with iron.
3. Use a different form of iron and or a ferric iron.
Active Iron is different, its unique formula provides 2X better absorption*. As a result, more iron is available for the body to absorb, helping to avoid the common side effects**.
*Wang et al. 2017, Acta Haematological, 138: 223-232
**Ledwidge et al. 2023, PRECISION Study. Int J Clin Pharm
Yes, as Active Iron is a food supplement (and not a medicine) it is suitable to take without consulting a GP. We recommend Active Iron only to those who are at risk of developing low iron levels (i.e those with regular periods, pregnant & postnatal, vegetarians, heavy exercisers).
There is an inherited condition called haemochromatosis where iron levels build up slowly over many years. Women with periods will have a slower build up than men as there will be iron loss monthly. There is no way of knowing you have this condition unless you have the genetic screening for it.
Active Iron is a low dose product (25mg) that is 2X better absorbed compared to other iron supplements. We recommend Active Iron only to those who are at risk of developing low iron levels (i.e those with regular periods, pregnant, vegetarians, heavy exercisers) or have low iron levels.
14mg of iron is the recommended daily allowance for iron set by the regulator (EFSA). 14mg would be considered safe based on daily intake for the average person. A tolerable upper limit of 45mg has been recommended for iron and this is based on tolerability of iron products.
Active Iron is a food supplement and not a medicine, meaning our products contain 100-179% of the recommended daily allowance of iron, whereas prescription iron has a higher dose. For example, prescription iron may contain 100mg elemental iron. The issue with high dose iron is that it oxidises in the gut and as a result it is poorly absorbed (typically just 10% is absorbed). It is this oxidation and poor absorption that causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and constipation in 8/10 people. Typically, 50% of people stop taking iron as a result of these side effects.
Most liquid iron supplements contain a much lower dose of iron which is why they can avoid these common side effects. Although this is a great benefit, they often do not provide sufficient iron to increase iron levels, with some only containing 5mg iron per serving.
Active Iron is different. Unlike other oral iron, it’s whey protein formula protects the iron from oxidation, allowing for 2X better absorption. As a result, Active Iron is clinically proven to increase iron levels by 94% and is gentle on the stomach, helping to prevent gastrointestinal side effects and allowing for 4X better compliance in taking the product.
