Understanding the Role of Iron and What it Does in the Body
Iron is an essential mineral for the body, and is vital for many of its processes and functions.
The role of iron in our bodies is a complex one. Iron is an essential element for blood production and supports many other bodily functions. We need to ensure we maintain normal iron levels to function at our best. As our bodies do not produce iron, we need to make sure we include sufficient iron as part of our healthy diets. Some peoples’ lifestyles can mean that they struggle to get the iron they need from their diet alone. Iron supplements*, together with healthy diets and lifestyle, helps maintain regular iron levels.
*Spatone® dietary supplement product statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the body*
One of the key functions of iron is its role in heme synthesis, which is essential for the formation of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin's primary function is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues, ensuring that basic life functions are maintained.
Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism*
Iron is essential for the process through which cells convert food into energy in form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the primary energy source for the body. With low level of iron, the production of ATP decreases, and that may be one of the factors associated to feelings of tiredness and fatigue. †
† Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Iron contributes to normal cognitive function*
Cognitive function includes brain functions such as memory, concentration, learning and problem solving. Maintaining good iron levels help us to ensure our brain is performing at its best without having to rely on that shot of caffeine in the morning!
Iron helps maintain a normal immune system*
Iron is necessary for immune cell creation and growth, associated with your body’s general response to infection.
How Much Iron is Needed?
The daily recommended intake of iron varies by age, gender, diet type, and health status. The body is not efficient when it comes to absorbing iron, we only absorb and use a portion of the iron we take in. Especially if the type of iron we absorb is non-heme iron, often found in vegetarian sources as our bodies find this much harder to absorb. Due to the difficulty in absorption of iron, it can be difficult to sustain our iron levels and we may have an iron deficient without realising. ‡
Learn More‡ Jim McMorran, et, al. (2011, July 20). Haem and non-haem iron. Retrieved January 17, 2018
Who Does Iron Benefit?
Iron is essential for everyone, as it helps form haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. However it is even more important for those with active lifestyles, such as athletes, people on plant-based diets, like vegans, who may need to pay extra attention to their iron intake, and is particularly important for women.
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