Iron is one of the most vital minerals in the human body — yet iron deficiency is also the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. It plays a central role in carrying oxygen around the body, supporting energy, and maintaining healthy red blood cells.
But not everyone gets enough, and poor absorption or dietary choices can make deficiency even more likely. Let’s explore why iron matters, where to find it, and the smartest way to supplement.
🧬 The Science: Why Iron Matters
Iron has several essential functions, including:
-
Oxygen transport → a key component of haemoglobin in red blood cells, carrying oxygen from lungs to tissues
-
Energy production → supports enzymes involved in metabolism
-
Immune function → crucial for fighting infections
-
Cognition & mood → iron supports neurotransmitter production for mental clarity and focus
Low iron can cause fatigue, weakness, pale skin, brittle nails, poor concentration, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, iron-deficiency anaemia.
🥩 Food Sources of Iron
There are two main forms of dietary iron:
-
Haem iron (easily absorbed) → found in red meat, poultry, fish
-
Non-haem iron (less efficiently absorbed) → found in beans, lentils, spinach, fortified cereals
Vitamin C significantly improves absorption of non-haem iron, while calcium, tannins (tea/coffee), and phytates (grains/legumes) can reduce absorption.
💊 Why Supplement Iron?
You may need iron supplementation if you:
-
Experience fatigue, dizziness, or brain fog
-
Have heavy menstrual cycles
-
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
-
Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
-
Have been diagnosed with low ferritin or anaemia
-
Take medications that reduce stomach acid (lowering iron absorption)
🌟 Iron in TRINITY by Arbor Vitamins
Many multivitamins include iron oxide or combine iron with calcium — both of which limit absorption and can cause digestive discomfort.
TRINITY solves this by using:
-
Iron Bisglycinate → a highly bioavailable, gentle form of iron
-
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) → enhances iron absorption naturally
-
No calcium in the morning formula → avoids blocking iron uptake
| Formula | Iron Type | Synergy | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌞 Morning | Iron Bisglycinate | Paired with vitamin C, separated from calcium | Energy, oxygen transport, gentle on digestion |
🧠 Summary
Iron is critical for energy, cognition, and oxygen delivery — yet deficiency is common. Supplementing the right form of iron, at the right time, ensures you get the benefits without digestive side effects.
TRINITY delivers iron bisglycinate with vitamin C in its Morning Formula, avoiding the absorption issues of most one-a-day multivitamins.
❓ FAQs: Iron Supplements
Q: What are the symptoms of low iron?
A: Fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, brittle nails, poor focus, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, anaemia.
Q: What type of iron is best absorbed?
A: Iron bisglycinate is gentle, highly absorbable, and less likely to cause stomach upset.
Q: Should I take iron with food?
A: It’s best taken with vitamin C (for absorption) and away from calcium-rich foods. TRINITY builds this into its Morning Formula.
Q: Do vegetarians and vegans need more iron?
A: Plant-based eaters often need extra, as non-haem iron is less efficiently absorbed than haem iron.