Iron is essential to the formation and function of healthy red blood cells.* An adequate amount of dietary iron is required for blood cells to efficiently transport oxygen throughout the body. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), up to 16 percent of individuals in some populations is deficient in iron.

Individuals who can be prone to iron deficiency include:

• Women of menstruating age
• Individuals who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet
• Frequent blood donors
• Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass surgery
• Individuals who eat a very high fiber diet, which can inhibit iron absorption
• Individuals recovering from blood loss, such as injury or surgery
• Performance athletes who have any of the above additional risk factors

Signs of iron deficiency:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Cold hands and feet
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
• Changes in menstrual cycles
• Decreased athletic performance

Iron is difficult for the body to absorb, and supplementing with conventional forms of iron, including ferrous sulfate, can cause gastrointestinal side effects – such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and dark-colored stools. Thorne's Iron Bisglycinate contains iron reacted with glycine to optimize its absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, thus minimizing the typical side effects of iron supplementation.*