People at risk of iron deficiency and anemia:
-
Women. A study of healthy women with normal menses lost 1 milligram of iron per menstrual cycle, and women with excessive menstrual bleeding lost 4 to 5 times more per cycle. [1]
-
Pregnant and nursing women. According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women is 20 percent, and the prevalence of iron-deficiency is 30 to 40 percent in industrialized countries. [2]
-
Adults who have internal bleeding [read "An Aspirin-a-Day May Cause Anemia"]
-
Adults who get kidney dialysis treatments [read "Link between Kidney Disease, Iron, and Lance Armstrong" ]
Risk factors for iron deficiency and anemia:
- Inadequate iron intake (i.e., diets lacking meat or plant sources of iron)
- Illnesses which limit mineral intake or absorption such as Whipple’s diseases or tropical sprue or blood disorders such as cancer, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia
- Foods that inhibit absorption such as tea, coffee, eggs (see FAQs below)
- Medicines that interfere with iron absorption such as Cholestyramine and Colestipol, cholesterol-lowering medications that impact bile acid, or anti-ulcer medications that change the pH of the stomach
- Blood loss caused by menstruation, frequent blood donation or drawing of blood samples for laboratory tests
References:
1. Napolitano M, Dolce A, Celenz G, et al, "Iron-dependent erythropoiesis in women with excessive menstrual blood losses and women with normal menses", Annals of Hematology, April 2014
2. World Health Organization, "Iron Deficiency Anaemia, Assessment, Prevention and Control, A Guide for Programme Managers", 2001
Symptoms of iron deficiency
- Brittle nails
- Swelling or soreness of the tongue
- Cracks in the sides of the mouth
- Enlarged spleen
- Frequent infections
Symptoms of anemia
- Pica - craving for non-food items such as clay, laundry soap, paint, etc.
- Poor appetite
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Heart beats rapidly in an attempt to provide more oxygen to cells
- Restless leg syndrome
Source: National Institute of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ida/signs>, accessed April 15, 2015
An Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is the average daily dietary intake level sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97-98 percent) healthy individuals in a group.
Ages |
Males |
Females |
Pregnancy |
9-13 years |
8 mg |
8 mg |
|
14-18 years |
11 mg |
15 mg |
27 mg |
19-30 years |
8 mg |
18 mg |
27 mg |
31-50 years |
8 mg |
18 mg |
27 mg |
51-70 years |
8 mg |
8 mg |
|
>70 years |
8 mg |
8 mg |
|
Source: Dietary Reference Intakes: Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine, National Academies
Food Sources of Iron:
Meat |
|
|
Grains |
|
Liver 3 oz |
7.5 mg |
|
Fortified oatmeal 1 cup |
8 mg |
Round steak 3 oz |
3 mg |
|
Fortified cereal 1 cup |
8 mg |
Lean hamburger 3 oz |
3 mg |
|
Bagel |
1.7 mg |
Fruit |
|
|
Vegetables |
|
Prune juice 6 oz |
7 mg |
|
Cooked Spinach 1/2 cup |
2.3 mg |
Dried apricots 1/2 cup |
2.5 mg |
|
Peas 1/2 cup |
1.6 mg |
Prunes (5) |
2 mg |
|
Asparagus 1/2 cup |
1.5 mg |
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. 2014. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 27. Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page, <http://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrient data>
BioavailabilityA 3 oz hamburger and a cup of asparagus each contains 3 mg of iron. Heme (animal) iron is more absorbable than non-heme (plant) iron. Due to the difference in the bioavailability of iron, 20 times as much iron can be absorbed from the hamburger as from asparagus.
Source: Brown J, The Science of Human Nutrition, Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1990
Why are TransMins2 Iron 27+ tablets better than liquid iron?The Mayo Clinic notes that liquid iron can stain your teeth.
[1] Since our tablets dissolve gently in your gastrointestinal tract, TransMins2 Iron 27+ are less likely to harm your "pearly whites".*
How does TransMins2 Iron 27+ prevent constipation?The iron is bound in a fiber tablet. The fiber helps to counteract the constipation that many women get when taking iron supplements.*
What is the source of iron? The iron source for TransMins2 Iron 27+ is ferrous sulfate. Approximately, 83 mg of ferrous sulfate is reacted with amino acids in each Iron 27+ tablet.
My doctor recommended that I take 325 milligrams (mg) of iron daily. How many tablets of Iron 27+ should I take to get 325 mg? Your doctor probably meant 325 mg of ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumerate or ferrous gluconate – common iron supplement preparations. Each Iron 27+ tablet has 83 mg of ferrous sulfate, of which 27 mg is elemental iron. To get your doctor’s recommended dosage, you would need to take 4 tablets daily. Since Iron 27+ is more bioavailable than other iron supplements, you do not need to take 325 mg daily.* But if you or your doctor still think that a large dose is critical to overcoming your anemia, take up to four Iron 27+ tablets daily for 1 to 4 weeks, then cut back to only one tablet daily to maintain your optimal levels.*
What inhibits iron absorption?
Phytates (e.g. grains and beans), polyphenols (e.g., teas, coffee, wine, fruits), calcium and some proteins (i.e., eggs, milk, and soy) can inhibit iron absorption.
[2] If you consume any of these foods, herbs or minerals, then take your Iron 27+ several hours before or after their consumption to increase iron bioavailability.*
Can iron cure canker sores? Yes. While the cause of canker sores is not clear (e.g., a minor injury, acidic foods, stress, etc.), the National Institute of Health suggests that certain immunity-boosting vitamins (Vitamin B12 and folate) and iron) might be a long-term solution.
[3]
More FAQs>>
References:
[1] Mayo Clinic, "Iron Supplement, Proper Use", <http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/iron-supplement-oral-route-parenteral-route/proper-use/drg-20070148>, accessed April 16, 2015
[2] Hurrell R and Egli I, "Iron bioavailability and dietary reference values", The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, March 3, 2010
[3] Medline Plus, "Canker Sores", <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000998.htm >, accessed April 16, 2015
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.