Iron is a mineral crucial for the distribution of oxygen and special detoxification processes in the liver. Circumstances such as pregnancy, chronic blood loss, poor diet, and chemotherapy may necessitate supplementation. This should only be done under the supervision of a physician since excess iron is toxic. In the past, many doctors recommended their patients take a common form of iron called ferrous sulphate. Ferrous sulfate is inexpensive and easy to find but is often associated with nausea and constipation. Recently, new forms of iron like ferrous bisglycinate have emerged that are more easily absorbed, lack side effects, and may be safer to take.
Iron is important for life because of its crucial role in several systems. Red Blood Cells (RBCs) a.k.a. Erythrocytes use a special material called hemoglobin to grab oxygen from the lungs and distribute it throughout the body. This oxygen is required for the burning of fuel like glucose and fats in a process called aerobic respiration which powers cells with the energy for life. Iron is also used by the liver to address ingested poisons in an elaborate detoxification system.
Iron Requirements
Recommended intake of iron varies. While men tend to have a steady requirement of about 10 mg / day, menstruating, pregnant, and lactating women tend to need much more. These women require from 10 to 27 or more milligrams of iron per day. Men and post menopausal women should not take iron unless recommended by their physicians since iron can have a toxic oxidative effect on tissues like the linings of blood vessels.
Ferrous Bisglycinate
Ferrous bisglycinate is a chelated form of iron. Chelation is a process where amino acids are attached to a mineral. With ferrous bisglycinate two molecules of the amino acid glycine are bound covalently to a molecule of iron. This novel type of iron is absorbed like an amino acid by the cells of the small intestine without the usual irritation and constipation of other forms. In addition, there seems to be a mechanism that controls absorption, determined by blood hemoglobin levels. This is important since iron is toxic in large quantities and one of the leading causes of poisoning and death in young children.
While ferrous bisglycinate may be found in many health food store brands, the average family physician or pharmacist may not be aware of it yet. There is plenty of research regarding its safety and efficacy available on the internet for this versatile form of iron.
Sources:
Kumar. Clinical Medicine, 6th ed., Elsevier, (2005)
Beers, The Merk Manual, 18th ed., Merk Research Laboratories (2006)
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