Iron: Study results from Europe’s largest micronutrient study

There is a fire burning within each of us

A fire that defines us as human beings. This inner fire is often put under severe strain in the course of our modern lives – yet our nerves remain as taut as wire. The latest findings from the BIOGENA Good Health Study – a large-scale study involving 1,377 Austrians – highlight that these mental networks are also ‘woven’ with the help of optimal iron levels.

Plant-based ferritin – because there’s a name for smart iron supplementation

One of the most groundbreaking discoveries in the field of iron research in recent years is plant ferritin. As a storage protein, ferritin not only binds and transports several thousand iron atoms in the human body, but also acts as a veritable iron magnet in plants. Studies have shown, however, that this iron compound is particularly well-tolerated and easily absorbed by humans. Building on these findings, raw material pioneers are breaking new ground: to significantly increase the ferritin content of germinating seeds, plant shoots are grown on an iron-rich medium, thereby achieving more than ten times the amount of phytoferritin. These innovative phyto-iron raw materials are both effective and well-tolerated, and are therefore considered a particularly promising option in the treatment of iron deficiency.

Good to know!

Ferritin from sprouts shows great potential for increasing iron intake in several ways.

Benefits: Treated seeds are ideal as a dietary supplement, as they provide significant amounts of gently absorbed plant-based iron. The sprouting process breaks down around half of the phytic acid, the main factor that inhibits iron absorption.

Iron for nerves out of steel

Contrary to mainstream scientific opinion, research into iron has revealed many new insights into the role and protective effects of iron on our mental health and nervous system. These findings are supported by the BIOGENA Good Health Study, which used regression analysis to establish a link between well-stocked iron stores (ferritin levels) and improved mental well-being. With an adequate iron supply, perceived stress levels fell by 25.5%, the risk of depression was reduced by 36% and that of anxiety by 28%. This was accompanied by a 7.9% improvement in mental well-being and a 3.8% increase in resilience. Overall health improved by 8.2%.

Normal iron levels (ferritin: >100 ng/ml) are associated with:

36% reduction in depression
25.5% improvement in stress resilience
7.9% improvement in mental wellbeing
28% reduction in anxiety
8.2% improvement in health
3.8% improvement in resilience

Put simply, the GHS data clearly showed that...

an adequate supply of iron is crucial for a strong sense of self
good iron levels (ferritin levels >100 ng/ml) provide us with emotional support: they help reduce depression, anxiety and stress, and boost mental well-being and resilience

Deficiency in abundance: iron deficiency in Austria

Almost a third of the world’s population suffers from iron deficiency – a deficiency that prevents those affected from living life to the full. Studies repeatedly confirm that this nutritional deficiency is not confined to developing countries, but is also a concern in our part of the world.

The BIOGENA Good Health Study also paints a clear picture, revealing a serious supply situation among the 1,377 Austrians surveyed. Whilst 23% of the participants examined were iron-deficient (ferritin levels <30 ng/ml), just under half (43.5%) were in the range of potential deficiency (ferritin levels: 30–100 ng/ml). However, the vegan and vegetarian groups fared the worst. Among them, 53.8% (vegans) and 47.2% (vegetarians) respectively were deficient.

Good to know!

Even in the early stages of a potential iron deficiency, symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, tiredness, hair loss and cracked corners of the mouth may appear.

Women and iron – a change of image? Not a chance!

Iron: Women need more of it for half their lives. The BIOGENA Good Health Study dramatically underscores the fact that this nutritional challenge continues to make iron a women’s issue: Women were significantly more affected by iron deficiency (ferritin <30 ng/ml) at 37.7% than men, who averaged 5.8%.

For many women, juggling multiple demands is part of their daily routine. To cope well with a challenging everyday life, sufficient iron is sometimes essential. This makes it all the more important for women to know their own iron levels.

Good to know!

Iron is essential for a healthy body. If you have any concerns about a deficiency, you should seek professional advice at the earliest opportunity.

Final facts

Iron does more than just help you lead an energetic life. Adequate iron levels (ferritin >100 ng/ml) also provide important mental support by reducing depression, anxiety and stress, and by boosting the body’s ability to cope with stress and enhancing mental wellbeing.
Iron deficiency is also common in our part of the world – particularly among women and those following a plant-based diet. To identify, prevent and treat deficiencies in good time, it is therefore important to keep a close eye on iron levels.
Plant-based ferritin is a particularly attractive alternative to traditional iron salts. This trendy form of iron is not only easily absorbed, but also scores highly for its excellent tolerability.

The vision behind the BIOGENA Good Health Study

The BIOGENA Good Health Study, involving 1,377 participants, aimed to provide an up-to-date picture of the health and healthcare situation of the Austrian population and to demonstrate that an improved intake of micronutrients leads to greater physical and mental well-being.