It has been estimated that as many as 1 billion people are deficient in this important mineral. As many as 60% of the U.S. population may not get enough iron. Iron deficiency is most common among teenagers, elderly people, pregnant or lactating women, those who consume a "junk food" diet, and anyone with a liver disorder.Early symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, decreased alertness, diminished endurance, dizziness and rapid heartbeat. Frequent colds, chronic infections, and poor digestion are also signs of iron deficiency. Chronic deficiency leads to anemia.
While iron deficiency has been called the most prevalent nutritional problem worldwide, many people shy away from iron supplementation due to horror stories promulgated by the media. However, these stories fail to reveal the whole truth. The studies that show the intake of large doses of iron can be harmful, reveal that the form of iron in these cases is ferrous sulfate. Supplementing iron is necessary, and is perfectly safe when taken in a form that is absorbed and utilized by the body rather than stored in the tissues.
Optimal Iron contains ferrochel-the only patented form of iron in a blend proven to be assimilated by the body up to 400% more than other iron supplements. This means that, rather than building up as a toxin in the body, Optimal Iron is effectively used by the body to enhance health. Studies have also shown that this amino acid chelated form of iron has a strong evidence of low toxicity and safety for long term use.
The overall safety in ferrochel is found in its unique patented chemistry. This form of iron is absorbed mostly in the jejunum with some absorption in the duodenum (where iron salts are primarily absorbed). The absorption of ferrochel is not inhibited by other dietary components such as tannins, phytates, phosphates, and other metals. Ferrochel has also demonstrated increased bioavailability since it does not enter into other chemical reactions that are associated with iron salts.
