Iron is a mineral that the body needs for growth and development. Your body uses iron to make haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones.

If you experience low levels of iron in your system, symptoms may present themselves as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, and cold hands and feet. Lack of iron lowers the ability of the blood to carry oxygen. This is known as iron-deficiency anaemia. In the UK below-average intake is prevalent among women and girls aged 11-18. Over 30% of the world’s population has anaemia. 49% of UK adults surveyed as part of the Health of the Nation Survey did not know iron deficiency causes anaemia. Iron deficiency can manifest as tiredness and fatigue, and is particularly common in those who eat a vegetarian, plant-based or vegan diet.

Vitamin C aids iron absorption and it is important to get both in the system to help both nutrients work and absorb optimally. Iron absorption ranges from 5%-35% depending on the type of iron as well as presence of other nutrients in the diet among other factors.

We conduct rapid iron testing in store. The test determines if you are low in iron or have sufficient levels. Discussions will be held in store with trained staff about the best steps to go forward, including natural iron supplementation and other nutrients to help absorption rates.

Call the store for more details.

What Adele’s Apothecary recommends

1. TerraNova Easy Iron

Iron is essential to our survival. Iron is the key component of hemoglobin, which allows red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. TERRANOVA Easy Iron 20mg Complex is enhanced with highly active, whole and unadulterated superfoods and botanicals.

2. Viridian Acerola Liquid Vitamin C

Viridian’s Acerola Collection is a range of pure fruit sourced vitamin C, all certified organic and naturally rich in this essential nutrient. Delivering up to 30x more vitamin C than oranges, acerola cherry is a potent natural source, ideal to support normal immunity.