Higher Nature True Food Easy Iron (90)

How much iron do you need?

It depends on your current iron levels (determined by blood tests), the form of iron supplement you take and your eating habits while taking iron.

There are several forms of iron with different dosages, comparing iron supplements is not like comparing apples to apples.

Each form of iron is absorbed differently by your body. Ferrous sulfate, the most common form of iron, is commonly recommended by doctors at a dose of 325 mg, which is equal to 65 mg of elemental iron, but for some people its absorption is accompanied by upset stomach.

Iron with food

Many people find that iron upsets their stomachs, so they take iron with meals to try and offset side effects such as nausea. Your doctor might also recommend that you take your iron supplement You might take it with a glass of orange juice because vitamin C improves the absorption of iron.

Factors that Affect Iron Absorption

Items that can decrease the body’s absorption of iron include:

• dietary or supplemental calcium
• caffeine
• some of the proteins found in soybeans
• dietary fibre
• phytates, found in legumes and whole grains
• plant-based compounds called polyphenols, including tannins (found in tea, wine, fruits, vegetables, nuts)

Items that can increase the body’s absorption of non-heme iron include:

• heme iron (found in meat, poultry and fish)
• vitamin C (orange juice, citrus fruits).

Should you take an iron supplement with water?

It’s hard to swallow any supplement without water! Iron supplements are best absorbed when taken with an 8-ounce glass of water on an empty stomach.

Orange juice can be substituted for water (or a squeeze of lemon in your water) for enhanced iron absorption. However, certain beverages should be avoided because they can inhibit iron absorption, including:

• tea
• coffee
• milk or other calcium-rich drinks
• beverages high in caffeine

Why should you drink orange juice with an iron supplement?

Vitamin C and citric acid are often touted by nutrition experts as “iron boosters.” That’s why orange juice, vitamin C and lemonade are suggested with iron supplements.

One of the simplest ways to improve the body’s absorption of non-heme iron is the addition of Vitamin C: simply adding a squeeze of lemon to your water or taking a vitamin C supplement can help you get the most out of your iron-rich foods or iron supplements.

Some foods and supplements you consume that could be iron inhibitors, such as coffee, tea, antacid tablets and dairy products.

Where is the iron absorbed?

The majority of the iron absorbed from digested food sources or supplements is absorbed in the small intestine, specifically the duodenum. Iron enters the stomach where it is exposed to stomach acid and changed into a form that allows it to be easily absorbed. From there it enters the mucosal sites of the duodenum (the first section of the small intestine) where most of the iron absorption takes place.

How long does it take for iron to dissolve in the stomach?

Most iron supplements dissolve in the stomach in approximately 20-30 minutes.

Some supplements claim to have a slow release mechanism. These vitamins and pills usually rely on a chemical coating to slow down the absorption. For example, a probiotic supplement may use an enteric coating to help it survive the acidic environment of your stomach.

Can I take more than the recommended dose of iron?

Do not take more than the recommended dose of iron. It is important that you take an iron supplement according to the directions on the packaging, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or healthcare provider.

About Higher Nature

Higher Nature is a company that was founded on a set of principles and a vision to provide high quality, well-researched nutritional products. This British, independently owned business was the brainchild of pioneering nutrition experts, Brian and Celia Wright, who wanted to make a significant contribution to the health of those using their supplements, through active ingredients at levels dictated by scientific evidence on safety and effectiveness. They would not market a product, even a bestseller, if they were not convinced that it was beneficial to health.

In today’s age of ever-increasing competition and following the sad loss of co-founder Celia Wright in February 2009, it would be very easy to abandon those values, but not Higher Nature. The company continues with the same inspiration, principles and dedication to health.

David Coulson joined the company as both new CEO and investor in December 2010, marking the start of the next stage in the journey.

The Higher Nature Mission

Higher Nature is committed to providing our customers with the best, natural and most effective supplements for optimum health and to supplying these to the highest standards of service possible. The Company aims to make a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of those who use our supplements, to support retail health stores and health professionals, and to run a healthy and happy, equal opportunity business with satisfied employees and shareholders. We also aim to educate and affect attitudes about nutrition and health more widely.

Higher Nature Innovation

There is no doubt that companies and practitioners in the health food sector have faced difficult trading conditions in recent years, and Higher Nature is no exception. However, the company has by no means stood still during this time and has continued to innovate and invest.

Product development has taken place, with several new launches in the last few years. We have also developed our online capabilities and in 2010 launched www.nutripeople.com, a fantastic source of free nutrition advice which acts as an education academy for consumers, trade and practitioners. It works as an independent health guide, allowing people to search for information about health conditions and nutrients, and to seek professional advice where necessary. Higher Nature has a team of fully-qualified nutritionists and other experts in the field, who pull the information together using their specialist knowledge. In 2013 we launched The Higher Nature Academy an online educational tool to help anyone with an interest in nutrition. In 2014 we launched our new responsive websites to make it easier to view and order our products regardless of the device being used.

An Ambitious Future for Higher Nature

We remain privately owned, we are investing in the business, and have plans in place to develop our premium brand within supplements and foods and to increase retail distribution to reach a wider consumer audience - in short there are plenty of great opportunities ahead and we are ambitious and optimistic about the future.

At the centre of this is our loyal, knowledgeable customer base, which is why our focus on customer service will remain as high as our focus on providing unique, ethical and effective supplements under the Higher Nature brand.