SUPER SUPPS!
Feeling fatigued? You may be iron deficient. Top up your intake with our pick of the best iron supplements
IRON IS AN ESSENTIAL mineral that your body uses to produce haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. However, many women unknowingly suffer with iron-deficiency anaemia. This can have a wide range of causes, from a heavy menstrual flow to a lack of dietary iron, and lead to fatigue, pale skin, cold hands and feet, brittle nails and dizziness. ‘Low iron can also affect immunity, aerobic capacity in physical exercise and make the heart beat faster,’ explains Dr Angela Rai, GP at The London General Practice (thelondongeneralpractice.com).
So, should you supplement with iron? ‘A healthy, balanced and varied diet should provide most people with all the essential vitamins and minerals their body needs,’ adds Dr Rai. ‘However, there are times when supplements may be required. Taking over-the-counter supplements should be safe in small doses, but stronger doses should only be taken with advice from your doctor.
Before supplementing with iron, visit your GP for a simple blood test, to determine whether you are deficient.
Support your blood
Natures Plus HEMA-PLEX Iron Capsules (£16.95 for 60, naturesplus.co.uk). Described as a total blood health support supplement, these vegan capsules contain a range of nutrients essential for red blood cell and haemoglobin formation, including naturally chelated iron, vitamin C, a complex of B vitamins, zinc and more. They are also available in tablet or chewable form.
Added vitamin C
DR.VEGAN Gentle Iron + Vitamin C (£7.99 for 30 capsules, drvegan.com). This vegan supplement combines 18mg of iron with 80mg of vitamin C, which greatly improves the body’s absorption of iron, while also supporting your immune system. We also love the plastic-free and compostable packaging!
Easily absorbed
BetterYou Iron 10 Daily Oral Spray (£14.95 for 25ml, betteryou.com). Delivering 10mg of iron per four sprays, this pomegranateflavoured oral spray is formulated to deliver iron directly into your bloodstream, via your inner cheek. Not only does this route offer fast nutrient uptake but it also avoids possible digestive issues associated with traditional iron tablets. The packaging is made from recycled ocean plastic.
Reduce fatigu
