Iron
Capsules, tablets, juices. If you want to buy a dietary supplement with iron, you can choose from a wide range of different iron preparations. Find out more about the various options for iron supplementation and iron intake.
Buy Iron Supplements online at BIOGENA
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.
Functions: What does iron do in the body?
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.
Iron as a nutritional supplement
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.
Iron intake & dosage: Tips for taking iron supplements
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.
In short: Iron intake & dosage
Low-dose iron is absorbed more efficiently by our body and is better tolerated. An iron preparation should be taken half an hour to an hour before eating. If there are problems with tolerability, it should be taken with a meal.
BIOGENA iron applications in comparison
Conclusion
New plant-based iron raw materials, the publication of previously unnoticed study results and the still globally relevant topic of iron deficiency are managing to reawaken interest in this micronutrient, which had fallen somewhat into obscurity. Unnoticed by the scientific mainstream, iron research has found many new insights into previously unknown connections in the metabolism - and these are also relevant in practice! At BIOGENA, we not only want to make everyone aware of iron's many talents, but also take the latest scientific findings into account in our iron research – so that iron regains the importance it deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Consultation with a doctor is recommended in the case of long-term intake of an iron product.
For optimal iron absorption, half to one hour before eating is ideal. Iron, on the other hand, should be taken with a meal for good tolerability.
Some people tolerate iron better in the evening. This also prevents interactions with the tannins from tea and coffee.
BIOGENA QuattroFerrin®21 contains 4 different iron compounds, each of which uses different absorption mechanisms. QuattroFerrin® 21 contains both vegetable iron from the curry leaf and Koji mushroom (ULTIMINE™), as well as organic iron bisglycinate and high-quality iron pyrophosphate. BIOGENA Moferrin®21 contains only the vegetable iron from the curry leaf in comparison. This natural iron is very well absorbed and has good tolerability. Moferrin®21 is particularly recommended if other iron preparations are not optimally tolerated.
Iron should never be taken concomitantly with dairy products, coffee, black and green tea. An administration interval of at least two hours should also be observed for products containing calcium or magnesium.
High-quality iron capsules, which do not include any unnecessary additives and are at a low dose, are particularly recommended.
This must be decided by the treating physician in each case.
