What is the Best Iron Supplement for a Sensitive Stomach
Many people benefit from iron supplements to correct and prevent iron deficiency, yet iron supplements are notorious for causing digestive side effects. If you haven’t found an iron supplement that works for you, look no further. Liposomal iron is the best option for sensitive stomachs and superior absorption.
Keep reading to learn about iron supplements and best practices. This article will cover:
- Why you need iron
- Causes of iron deficiency and who benefits from iron supplementation
- Issues with standard iron supplements, including poor tolerance
- What is the best iron supplement
What is Iron, and Why Do You Need it?
Iron is an essential mineral required for the life and health of all living organisms. In humans, it’s a component of enzymes and proteins, including hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood. Besides oxygen transport, iron is critical for energy production, DNA synthesis, cell growth, and cognitive development and behavior in children. (Source 1)
Iron is found throughout the food supply in both animal and plant foods. Helpful food sources include:
- Shellfish
- Grass-fed red meat
- Leafy green vegetables (cooked)
- Legumes (Source 1)
Because iron is so critical, iron levels are very tightly regulated. Both too much iron and too little can cause significant problems, including iron deficiency anemia. (Source 1)
Who’s At Risk for Iron Deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia, when there isn’t enough iron to form healthy red blood cells for oxygen transport. Iron needs vary: Adult men require 8 mg per day, women need 18 mg daily, and pregnant women require 27 mg per day from the diet. (Source 1, 2)
Symptoms of iron deficiency include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Brain fog
- Hair loss
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbance
- Heart palpitations
- Poor exercise performance
- Bruising (Source 3)
Iron deficiency can occur when iron intake is too low compared to needs, iron loss via blood loss, and decreased iron absorption due to various gastrointestinal conditions. Risk factors for iron deficiency include:
- Low dietary iron intake
- Vegetarian and vegan diet
- Women of reproductive age
- Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Children and adolescents
- Frequent blood donation
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, specific gut infections
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Kidney disease (Source 1)
“Iron deficiency can occur when iron intake is too low compared to needs, iron loss via blood loss, and decreased iron absorption due to various gastrointestinal conditions.”
Iron Supplementation and Side Effects
Iron supplements are helpful for repleting low iron levels and helping sustain optimal iron status for many at high risk for iron deficiency. However, iron supplements can be irritating and harsh on the digestive system, especially for those with sensitive stomachs.
Common side effects of iron supplementation include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Interactions with medications (Source 1, 4)
What is the Best Iron Supplement
Given poor absorption rates and a high propensity for gastrointestinal side effects, many people with iron deficiency or who would benefit from regular supplementation may not follow through with their care plans.
Luckily, there is an alternative to standard iron supplements. Liposomal iron solves the problems of low absorption and side effects because the iron is packaged in a liposome, a phospholipid membrane that mimics human cells. (Source 5)
Liposomal iron is a gentle, easy to absorb, well-tolerated and well-absorbed form of iron, making it the new gold standard of iron supplementation and an effective solution for those with sensitive stomachs. You can even take it on an empty stomach, which is the preferable way to take iron supplements for the best absorption.
“Liposomal iron is well-tolerated and well-absorbed, making it the new gold standard of iron supplementation and an effective solution for those with sensitive stomachs.”
Core Med Science Liposomal Iron contains 65 mg of ferric orthophosphate per capsule for superior absorption and a low risk of GI side effects. This formula is an excellent way to improve iron levels and prevent iron deficiency when it’s challenging to eat and absorb enough iron to meet the body’s needs.
Iron is a critical mineral for total body health, yet achieving optimal levels of the right amount of iron can be challenging for many people. Iron supplements are an effective solution but come with the cost of uncomfortable side effects – until now. Liposomal iron is the superior choice, combining bioavailability for the absorption of iron with comfort and effectiveness. Your healthcare professional or healthcare provider will be able to answer any questions you have about digestive issues and iron.
“Iron supplements are an effective solution but come with the cost of uncomfortable side effects – until now. Liposomal iron is the superior choice, combining effectiveness with comfort.”
References:
- https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/iron
- Short, M. W., & Domagalski, J. E. (2013). Iron deficiency anemia: evaluation and management. American family physician, 87(2), 98–104. Full text: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2013/0115/p98.html
- Soppi ET. Iron deficiency without anemia - a clinical challenge. Clin Case Rep. 2018;6(6):1082-1086. Published 2018 Apr 17. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986027/
- Low, M. S., Speedy, J., Styles, C. E., De-Regil, L. M., & Pasricha, S. R. (2016). Daily iron supplementation for improving anaemia, iron status and health in menstruating women. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 4(4), CD009747. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10182438/
- Baomiao D, Xiangzhou Y, Li L, Hualin Y. Evaluation of iron transport from ferrous glycinate liposomes using Caco-2 cell model. Afr Health Sci. 2017;17(3):933-941. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5656219/