Mineral

Iron

Iron is a component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Its absorption is regulated according to the body's requirements and existing stores.

It contributes to normal red blood cell formation, oxygen transport, energy metabolism and immune function.

In everyday life, Iron supports oxygen delivery to working muscles and tissues, helping maintain normal energy when iron intake and status are adequate.

Supplemental iron should match individual nutritional needs and be used appropriately.

Ingredient overview

What it is

Iron is a component of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Its absorption is regulated according to the body's requirements and existing stores.

  • Scientific identity: Iron; dietary forms: Haem and non-haem iron.
  • How it works: Arrives in two dietary forms: Haem iron from animal foods is absorbed at about fifteen to thirty-five %; non-haem iron from plants and supplements at a far more variable two to twenty %. Absorption is shaped by the meal: Vitamin C markedly improves non-haem uptake, while tea polyphenols, calcium and phytates reduce it.
  • Primary function: It contributes to normal red blood cell formation, oxygen transport, energy metabolism and immune function.
  • What it supports: Iron supports oxygen delivery to working muscles and tissues, helping maintain normal energy when iron intake and status are adequate.
  • Important consideration: Supplemental iron should match individual nutritional needs and be used appropriately.

Formulation rationale

Why we use it

CARPEDIEM selected Iron for a clearly defined role within a thoughtfully balanced formulation.

  • Formulation purpose: It contributes to normal red blood cell formation, oxygen transport, energy metabolism and immune function.
  • Used in: CARPEDIEM MultiWomen, CARPEDIEM Women’s Beauty & Wellness Stack and CARPEDIEM Family Daily Essentials Pack and other appropriate CARPEDIEM formulations.
  • Works alongside: Iron complements Vitamin C, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 to support balanced daily mineral nutrition.
  • Meaningful contribution: Iron supports oxygen delivery to working muscles and tissues, helping maintain normal energy when iron intake and status are adequate. Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism as part of balanced daily nutrition.
  • Quality and scientific context: Supplemental iron should match individual nutritional needs and be used appropriately. 4 ingredient-specific studies are included because the research reports a relevant benefit.

Ingredient intelligence

How it works

The mineral the body guards most carefully, because it cannot shed a surplus.

Step 01 / 04

Two dietary forms.

Haem iron from animal foods absorbs at 15 to 35 per cent. Non-haem iron from plants and supplements at a variable 2 to 20.

01 / 04

Two forms

Haem from animal food, non-haem from plants

Absorption

2 to 35 per cent, depending on the meal

Boosted by

Vitamin C

Important

The body cannot excrete excess iron

Descriptive of the ingredient's established biology. Not a claim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Functional role

All key functions

The complete functional profile connected with this ingredient.

Supports the normal formation of haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in blood.

Contributes to healthy red blood cell formation and oxygen transport throughout the body.

Supports normal energy-yielding metabolism as part of balanced daily nutrition.

Contributes to normal immune function and the activity of essential cellular enzymes.

Helps maintain the oxygen-delivery processes that support everyday physical activity.

Supports normal cognitive function when included within an appropriate nutrient intake.

Supports oxygen delivery to working muscles and tissues, helping maintain normal energy when iron intake and status are adequate.

Pairs with Vitamin C and Folic Acid to support a more complete and scientifically balanced formula.

Scientific evidence

Selected research

Open the original paper, PubMed record or DOI page for the full publication.

01

Effect of iron supplementation on fatigue in nonanemic menstruating women with low ferritin: a randomized controlled trial

CMAJ

In non-anaemic menstruating women with fatigue and low ferritin, oral iron reduced fatigue scores more than placebo and improved iron-status markers. The study supports need-led supplementation and does not justify iron use when status is adequate or unknown.
2012
02

Iron supplementation for unexplained fatigue in non-anaemic women: double blind randomised placebo controlled trial

BMJ

This double-blind randomized trial found that oral iron reduced fatigue in non-anaemic women, particularly among those with low or borderline ferritin. It supports status-led use rather than iron supplementation for fatigue without assessment.
2003
03

Iron absorption from oral iron supplements given on consecutive versus alternate days and as single morning doses versus twice-daily split dosing in iron-depleted women: two open-label, randomised controlled trials

The Lancet Haematology

Two randomized absorption trials in iron-depleted women showed higher fractional absorption with alternate-day dosing and explained the role of hepcidin after oral iron. The study informs dosing strategy but does not replace individualized treatment guidance.
2017
04

Iron absorption from supplements is greater with alternate day than with consecutive day dosing in iron-deficient anemic women

Haematologica

A crossover absorption study in women with iron-deficiency anaemia found greater fractional iron absorption on alternate days than on consecutive days. It supports awareness of hepcidin-mediated absorption and is not evidence that every person should change a prescribed regimen.
2020

Related ingredients

Complementary by function

Vitamin

Vitamin c

Vitamin

Folic acid

Vitamin

Vitamin b12

Mineral

Zinc

Ingredient intelligence

How it works

The mineral the body guards most carefully, because it cannot shed a surplus.

Step 01 / 04

Two dietary forms.

Haem iron from animal foods absorbs at 15 to 35 per cent. Non-haem iron from plants and supplements at a variable 2 to 20.

01 04

Two forms

Haem from animal food, non-haem from plants

Absorption

2 to 35 per cent, depending on the meal

Boosted by

Vitamin C

Important

The body cannot excrete excess iron

Descriptive of the ingredient's established biology. Not a claim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.