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Iron Bisglycinate has several major advantages that we have seen over other formulations of iron. It is almost always non-constipating and rarely affects the frequency or texture of bowel movements, even for patients with a history of slow digestion or chronic constipation. Some of our patients need 50 or 75 mg of iron daily, and generally they don’t notice any change in digestive function.

Secondly, iron is in a chelate form, attached to the amino acid glycine which is a protein building block, so the body recognizes the combination. Iron chelates are far better absorbed than inorganic sulfate.

We track patients’ iron needs by measuring blood levels of ferritin. Ferritin is the body’s “savings account” of iron. If ferritin levels are low and iron supplements are needed, the iron must be in a highly absorbable form or months of supplement-taking are ineffective. Iron Bisglycinate has worked well in our practice to bring ferritin levels up at a steady, healthy pace. This formula also has no magnesium stearate or other fillers or binders.

About this product

Iron is a mineral that is essential to maintain life: it is required for red blood cell formation and found in hemoglobin where it helps to transport oxygen from the lungs and carry waste carbon dioxide away from tissues to be exhaled from the body. Iron also occurs in myoglobin in muscles (red meat), and it has key roles for enzymes that enable energy production and DNA formation.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional lack in the US; up to 30% of infants, teenage girls, menstruating and pregnant women, and the elderly may be deficient. Children, pregnant and lactating women require much more iron; the elderly may have reduced intake or inability to absorb iron. In our practice, we commonly see low levels of ferritin, the body’s storage “savings account” of iron even in postmenopausal women or adult men. People who have heavy periods or who donate blood regularly or have celiac disease are particularly vulnerable to low ferritin stores. The first symptoms are fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath with exercise, or tinnitus; anemia is the last stage of iron deficiency.

If iron is supplemented, ferritin levels must be tracked carefully. Iron is a nutrient that we want just enough of, not too little and not too much. Excess iron can elevate free radicals which may increase heart disease risk by oxidative damage to “bad” LDL cholesterol or by direct injury to blood vessel walls. We generally aim for a ferritin level between 25 and 80 ng/ml. Our patients who donate to the blood bank may lose 40 points of ferritin with each unit they give.

Glycine is an amino acid which the body easily recognizes and absorbs because tissues naturally make it from dietary protein sources including meat, fish, dairy, and legumes. Glycine builds protein in connective and other tissues, and it plays a role in brain neurotransmission. Higher doses of glycine appear to have several therapeutic benefits: it may help schizophrenia, and if started within 6 hours of an ischemic stroke, glycine may help to limit brain damage. It may have minor roles reducing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms; protecting the liver from the injurious effects of alcohol; enhancing memory and for cancer prevention because it impedes tumor blood supply.

Contents

1 capsule provides:

Iron (as Ferrochel® Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate) 25 mg

Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide.

This product does not contain artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, gluten, dairy or soy.

Cautions

Always take natural remedies under the supervision of your health care provider. Do not use iron without the advice of your healthcare professional if: you have diabetes as excess iron might increase the risk of heart disease in women with type 2 diabetes, although this has not been proven; if you have stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease as iron might cause irritation; if you have a hemoglobin disease, such as thalassemia, as excess iron might cause iron overload.

Do not give iron to premature infants without a healthcare provider’s guidance as vitamin E deficiency in infants must be corrected before giving iron. Excessive doses of iron are likely unsafe, especially for children. Iron is the most common cause of poisoning in children; overdose can cause stomach and intestinal distress, liver failure, dangerously low blood pressure, and death. If you suspect an adult or child has taken more than the recommended amount of iron, call your healthcare professional or the nearest poison control center immediately. Excessive iron should also be avoided, even from foods sources such as red meat, because of its possible link with heart disease.

Take with caution and only with a medical professional’s advice if you are also using medicines including thyroid as iron can interfere with its absorption; bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, Didronel or Actonel), and tetracycline antibiotics as their absorption may be impeded.

During pregnancy or lactation, only use iron under the guidance of your physician. Always monitor ferritin levels regularly if you are taking iron.

Glycine seems to be generally safe: there have been rare reports of nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and drowsiness. Only use during pregnancy or lactation under the guidance of your physician as not enough is known about any possible risks. Use only with your physician’s guidance if you are taking Clozapine (Clozaril) for schizophrenia, as glycine may decrease the effectiveness of clozapine.