Wat is iron?

Iron is a mineral the body cannot produce itself, so it has to come from food or supplements. But iron is a stubborn mineral: your body only actually absorbs part of what you take in through food or a supplement, and how much depends heavily on what else is on your plate. Vitamin C is known to enhance iron absorption from food. Phytates (from grains and legumes), tannins (from tea and coffee) and calcium are considered inhibitors: they can reduce the absorption of iron from the same meal. That’s why it’s often recommended to take iron supplements separately from coffee, tea or calcium-rich products.

That makes the choice of iron form, and how it is processed, relevant: not every iron compound interacts with these inhibitors in the same way, and not every form is tolerated equally well.

The differences between iron sulfate, iron bisglycinate, and liposomal iron

Iron sulphate is one of the oldest and most researched iron forms used in food supplements. It is a compound of divalent iron (Fe²⁺) with a sulphate group, an ionic form that has been used in clinical research on iron intake for decades. In unprotected form, however, this iron sulphate can sometimes release too early as a free Fe²⁺ ion in the gastrointestinal tract, which is often associated with complaints in a portion of users (Tolkien et al., 2015).

Iron bisglycinate is an iron molecule bound to two glycine molecules. This forms a chelate, which is often described as better tolerated than simple, uncoated iron salts (Cancelo-Hidalgo et al., 2013).

At Kala Health, we wanted to use the well-researched iron sulphate compound, while limiting the risk of gastrointestinal complaints as much as possible. That’s why we encapsulate our iron sulphate in liposomes made of phospholipids: a layer intended to shield the iron from the gastrointestinal tract until it is expected to be absorbed intact, thereby reducing interaction with dietary inhibitors such as calcium and tannins.

When would you choose Liposomal Iron Sulphate?

This product is worth considering for people who:

• Deliberately choose iron sulfate as a compound, rather than a chelated form such as iron bisglycinate
• Have previously experienced stomach complaints with standard, uncoated iron sulfate and want to try an encapsulated variant
• Are consciously mindful of their iron intake because of a physically active lifestyle
• Value Dutch manufacturing, an in-house facility and independent lab testing

What does iron contribute to in your body?

The following EFSA-approved claims apply to iron:

• Iron contributes to normal cognitive function
• Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism
• Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin
• Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body
• Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system
• Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
• Iron has a role in the process of cell division

Product features at a glance

• 15 mg elemental iron per capsule
• True dry liposomes made of phospholipids, the same building blocks as your cell membranes
• Manufactured in our own facility in the Netherlands
• Independently lab-tested
• Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
• Free from: gluten, lactose, GMO, artificial colours, and preservatives

References

1. 1. Cancelo-Hidalgo, M. J., Castelo-Branco, C., Palacios, S., Haya-Palazuelos, J., Ciria-Recasens, M., Manasanch, J., & Pérez-Edo, L. (2013). Tolerability of different oral iron supplements: a systematic review. Current medical research and opinion, 29(4), 291–303.
   2. Tolkien, Z., Stecher, L., Mander, A. P., Pereira, D. I., & Powell, J. J. (2015). Ferrous sulfate supplementation causes significant gastrointestinal side-effects in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 10(2), e0117383.

Important to note

This product is a dietary supplement. The information on this page is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking medication or have questions about the use of this supplement.

Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without medical advice. Keep out of reach of young children. A dietary supplement is not a substitute for a varied diet. A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.

Do you have questions about this product or would you like personal advice? Call us on (+31) 070-345-0290 or email info@kalahealth.eu.