Iron is a fundamentally essential trace mineral in human nutrition. Iron-deficiency, which can lead to anemia, is the most common nutritional disorder in the world with approximately 25% of the world's population being iron-deficient. In the United States, twenty-two percent of women are iron deficient and in Canada, ten percent of women under 50 years of age do not get adequate amounts of iron in their diet. Iron is required for the formation of hemoglobin, an oxygen carrying molecule found in red blood cells. This is why iron deficiency leads to anemia - an abnormally low number of red blood cells.
However, even iron-deficiency states that do not lead to anemia may have detrimental effects on human health, including compromised cognitive function, overall weakness and fatigue, and a weakening of the immune system. Iron is also involved in DNA synthesis, normal brain development and immune function. Pregnant and menstruating women are often at risk of iron deficiency, as are infants, adolescents, endurance athletes, and anyone undergoing a condition of growth and/or fatigue or who has experienced blood loss. In children, iron deficiency causes developmental delays and behavioral disturbances, and in pregnant women, it increases the risk for a preterm delivery and the risk of delivering a low birth-weight infant.
Studies have revealed that hospital in-patients with iron deficiencies have to endure hospital stays that are more than twice as long as those without iron deficiencies. Research also clearly demonstrates that children with iron deficiency anemia are at a clear disadvantage academically.
Ortho•Iron™ contains SunActive®Fe iron, a patented form of iron, shown to be easily assimilated and easier on the digestive tract than other more common forms of iron. SunActive® iron contains ferric pyrophosphate that has been processed to reduce the particle size because smaller molecules have higher absorption rates, but that are also bound to a food grade emulsifier to prevent clustering. Research performed at the Institute of Food Science and Nutrition in Switzerland has shown that SunActive®Fe offers a relative biologic value of 84% to 94% depending on the food administered with it. The biological value refers to the proportion of absorbed iron that is metabolized by the body. Ortho•Iron™ also contains an array of iron-supporting nutrients, including lactoferrin, vitamin C, B12, folate, B6 and copper.
Lactoferrin is an iron-carrying molecule that belongs to the same family as transferrin, the most important iron delivery protein of the body. Lactoferrin binds to iron and improves iron transport and absorption. Animal studies have shown that lactoferrin alone can lead to a 23% improvement in serum iron levels and in pregnant women, lactoferrin increased both hemoglobin and serum iron. Through its binding to free iron, lactoferrin also reduces the pro-oxidative effects of iron.
Vitamin C increases the absorption of supplemental iron and is an important nutrient for the treatment of iron deficiency. Furthermore, vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and can also reduce the oxidation caused by iron supplementation.
Specific B vitamins are also extremely important for the normal development of red blood cells. Deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate and vitamin B6 can all lead to anemia, hence their inclusion in Ortho•Iron™.
Copper is important for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia because iron supplementation decreases the absorption of copper. Copper may also increase the iron supply to the bone marrow where red blood cells are produced.
Ortho•Iron™ is a complete formula for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia and contains a superior form of iron shown to be much easier to tolerate that other forms of iron. The other nutrients found in the formula support iron absorption and utilization and prevent the oxidative effect associated with iron supplementation.
SUPPLEMENT FACTS:
30 Vegi-Caps
Serving Size: 1 Capsule
Iron 30 mg (SunActive®Fe - ferric pyrophosphate)
Lactoferrin FD 100 mg
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) 200 mg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 647 mcg
Folic Acid 800 mcg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 25mg
Copper (Citrate) 900 mcg
SUGGESTED USE:
Adult Dosage: Take one capsule daily with food or as directed by a qualified health care practitioner.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:
None Known
