Iron Mama - Iron bisglycinate-rich supplement

The main drawback of medicinal iron is the frequency of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and constipation.

Our iron bisglycinate is a very good form of iron for supplementation during pregnancy*.

Nevertheless, we recommend discussing this with the healthcare professional who is monitoring you.

* Relative effectiveness of iron bis-glycinate chelate (Ferrochel) and ferrous sulfate in the control of iron deficiency in pregnant women, 2001.

What matters is not only the iron content, but the amount of iron that manages to cross your intestinal barrier and enter your bloodstream. This is known as bioavailability.

Ferrous sulphate has an absorption rate of only 33%, meaning that of the 80 mg you ingest, only 26 mg are actually absorbed by your body. Our iron in bisglycinate form, on the other hand, offers three times greater absorption, without the side effects. For example, if you take 2 capsules at 28 mg, you will absorb 90%, which is approximately 25.2 mg*.

A study further showed that supplementation with 14 mg of iron bisglycinate (the dose in one capsule) was more effective than 40 mg of ferrous sulphate at improving iron status in pregnant women**. Iron depletion was observed in 30.8% of women treated with iron bisglycinate compared with 54.5% of women who consumed ferrous sulphate.

*Effectiveness of Treatment of Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Infants and Young Children with Ferrous Bis-Glycinate Chelate. 2001.
** Relative effectiveness of iron bis-glycinate chelate (Ferrochel) and ferrous sulfate in the control of iron deficiency in pregnant women, 2001.

Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy.

Iron deficiency manifests as what is known as iron-deficiency anaemia. It is detected through a full blood count and a serum ferritin test (which reflects iron stores). These tests can ideally be carried out at the end of the 1st trimester of pregnancy, though screening for anaemia is in any case compulsory at 6 months of pregnancy*.

However, iron supplementation during pregnancy should not be taken blindly. Many women do not need to supplement as they consume enough iron through their diet. The body of a pregnant woman adapts to meet its needs by increasing its capacity to absorb both haem and non-haem iron**.

For mothers who need to build up their iron stores, the amount required can vary considerably from one person to another. For this status to be properly assessed, blood tests are necessary and require careful interpretation.

It is therefore important to have your iron status tested and to discuss this with a healthcare professional before starting any supplementation.

*AMELI, Meeting iron needs and seeking advice in case of bleeding.
HAS, Blood management before, during and after surgery, and in obstetrics
**Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Nutritional Status During Pregnancy and Lactation. Nutrition During Pregnancy: Part I Weight Gain: Part II Nutrient Supplements. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1990. 14, Iron Nutrition During Pregnancy.

Iron is found mainly in red meat, liver, lamb, certain seafood, seeds (sesame, flax, chia) and pulses (lentils, beans, broad beans).

There are two types of dietary iron: non-haem iron, found in both plant foods and animal tissues, and haem iron, which comes from haemoglobin and myoglobin in animal-derived foods. Haem iron is better absorbed by the body than non-haem iron, which means that vegetarians and vegans are more likely to be iron deficient*.

Vitamin C improves iron absorption, but certain compounds reduce it — phytates (as found in coffee) and polyphenols (as found in black tea). 

It is therefore important to be mindful of your intake, particularly if you follow a diet low in or free from animal products, if you experience significant blood loss, or if your needs are increased.

*Iron Bioavailability and Dietary Reference Values. 2010.

No, our capsules are vegan and gluten-free.