COMBATING IRON DEFICIENCY
Iron is a mineral that is essential for the body to function properly. Vital for carrying oxygen to the muscles, it is the central atom of red blood cells. It comes mainly from animal products but also from certain plants, and how well it is absorbed depends on its source. Iron from animal sources is generally better absorbed than iron from plants – with spirulina being the exception to the rule!
What’s more, when it is enriched with iron, spirulina allows this iron to be absorbed and used better than the iron in beef [1]. Spirulina is enriched through its growing medium, which is itself enriched with iron.
SEVERAL SYMPTOMS CAN SIGNAL IRON DEFICIENCY
The best-known symptoms of iron deficiency are fatigue and paleness, but it can also cause poor temperature regulation and even cognitive impairment, and therefore changes in behaviour, through the disruption of certain neurotransmitters.
Dietary iron intake must make up for the physiological losses that occur every day. An imbalance can be caused by insufficient dietary intake or by excessive losses. These losses occur through urine, sweat, hair loss and shedding of skin. In addition, women lose iron through menstruation, and athletes through the intestinal bleeding they often experience.
Women, athletes, vegetarians and vegans are therefore particularly at risk of iron deficiency, due both to lower intake and to greater losses.
Read the full testimonial from Astrid, blogger at “Rhapsody in Green”
“…Algorigin offered me the chance to try their Spirulina Iron, which is particularly rich in iron (it covers 92% of the NRV). After my anaemia, I was prescribed iron for 3 months. But iron supplements are very hard to digest, and I only lasted 2 of the 3 months because they upset my digestive system so much. I chose to take Spirulina Iron for the third month… and I’m glad I did, because my test results went back to normal. And goodbye stomach aches!”
Read also: What is the role of vitamin B3?
NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR RECOVERY
If you are iron deficient or anaemic, dietary measures are called for. Eating red meat or pulses is particularly recommended, together with vitamin C, which increases iron absorption. Conversely, you are advised to keep iron intake away from all sources of tannins or polyphenols (found in tea, coffee, etc.), which reduce its absorption.
Taking iron-enriched spirulina is a worthwhile alternative to the treatments usually offered. What’s more, this natural iron spares you the digestive discomfort commonly associated with conventional supplements.
Finally, spirulina’s energising properties combined with its increased, easily absorbed iron content help you regain energy, since fatigue is one of the main signs of iron deficiency.
Q&A WITH PAULINE, NUTRITIONIST & MICRONUTRITION CONSULTANT
Question: “Hello, I’m slightly anaemic and my doctor advised me to eat more meat. I’m not a big fan of meat and find it hard to eat it several times a week. Could Spirulina Iron be suitable for me?”
Answer: “Spirulina Iron is perfectly suited to you. Your doctor advised you to eat meat because its iron is particularly well absorbed by the body (thanks to its specific form). Unlike other plant sources of iron, our spirulina has an absorption rate equivalent to that of meat, making it ideal in your case.”
Question: “Hello, after a period of severe fatigue, I’ve been taking conventional pharmaceutical iron supplements prescribed by my doctor. Unfortunately, I suffer from a lot of side effects (mainly stomach aches and constipation), which makes them hard to take. Does Spirulina Iron have the same effects on digestion?”
Answer: “Spirulina Iron is a natural supplement with no digestive side effects. By taking it, you also benefit from all the advantages of traditional spirulina, a natural pick-me-up. Spirulina Iron is therefore particularly well suited to you.”
