Iron

All around the world, the importance of achieving adequate iron levels is being talked about more and more. Of course it’s easy to reach for a generic iron product off the shelf, but with so many different iron preparations on the market, it can be tricky to know where to begin. But it’s important to note that not all iron is created equal. BIOGENA not only wants to raise awareness of the many benefits of iron, but it also takes the latest scientific findings into account in its own iron research. That’s why, when it comes to the production of our iron preparations, we focus on the most valuable ingredients, optimal dosages and the highest quality - always free of unnecessary additives, in accordance with the pure substance principle. As an added measure, every single batch undergoes the stringent quality tests of the independent LEFO Institute for Food and Environment.

BIOGENA iron supplements are the result of years of intensive research. The focus is on unique iron combinations as well as innovative iron sources (e.g. iron pyrophosphate, iron bisglycinate, fungal iron from Aspergillus oryzae powder or plant iron from curry leaf). By combining different iron compounds in one single preparation, we cater for all resorption mechanisms of iron in the human body, resulting in optimal bioavailability and excellent tolerability.

In our bodies, iron performs a variety of functions. The most well-known task of iron is to produce blood and thus supply oxygen to the body. As a component of the red blood pigment haemoglobin, it transports oxygen from the lungs to all the different areas of the body. The brain, muscles and tissues need oxygen to generate energy – this is the only way we stay focused, fit and efficient. In addition, iron is necessary for another 179 functions in the body, such as hormone formation, immune defence or energy production.

Our priority is to develop natural and well-tolerated iron preparations which tick all the boxes of BIOGENA’s high quality standards.

Capsules, tablets, effervescent tablets or liquid: What are the best dosage options?

Iron on the market is available in a variety of dosage forms. Iron tablets, capsules and liquid preparations are among the most common forms.

Capsule products are the manufacturing standard at BIOGENA. This is because capsules make it possible to dispense with unnecessary additives such as colourants, binding and separating agents or synthetic coating agents. In contrast to classic iron salts, BIOGENA iron preparations in capsule form are characterized by gentle dosing and guarantee optimal tolerance and bioavailability. And for those who are unable to swallow iron capsules, vegetable iron in liquid form is an excellent alternative. This way, we can optimally support iron intake - even for children.

What is the best way to absorb and tolerate iron? Dosage recommendation for absorption & tolerance

Moderate dosages from plant sources such as iron from curry leaf or iron from buckwheat, are ideal for daily supplementing and are particularly important for people with sensitivities. For optimal intake, iron should be taken on an empty stomach, for example an hour before breakfast or 1-2 hours after a meal.

When is the best time to take iron?

Taken half an hour to an hour before eating, the bioavailability is optimum; eaten with a meal, consumption is more tolerable.

What should I be aware of when taking iron supplements?

The following applies to all iron preparations: never take them at the same time as milk or milk products. An interval of at least two hours should also be observed between taking iron preparations and preparations containing calcium or magnesium.

In addition, coffee and black or green tea shouldn't be drunk at the same time as an iron supplement or a meal, because the ingredients of these drinks can block most of the iron and interfere with its absorption into the body.

The best way to take iron before a meal is with orange juice (or another drink containing vitamin C), which increases its absorption into the body.

How high should iron supplements be dosed? - Low doses of iron are more effective than high doses!

The issue of tolerance in particular is more important than ever nowadays: current guidelines recommend high-dose salts of bivalent iron (50 to 100 mg per day) to counteract low iron levels. In other words, "high dose, strong effect". Yet it is a well-known fact that these very high doses are often not tolerated very well.

Several years ago, a new finding reached the scientific mainstream – unfortunately without making the corresponding waves: low doses of iron are more effective than high doses.

A team of researchers from the ETH Zurich has shown in a study that lower amounts of iron are absorbed much more efficiently than high doses of iron, and they also enable a gentler increase in iron levels. It therefore makes sense to only take iron in lower quantities. So you see: sometimes iron-clad rules aren’t so iron clad.