FeNIX Plus Amino Acid Chelated Fe Product Information

Iron is an essential mineral and vital component of the human diet. It is required for several indispensable processes, including oxygen transport, energy metabolism and making new cells and amino acids [1]. However, taking in and maintaining optimal
levels of iron remains a challenge for the majority of the global population.

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) accounts for approximately 50% of all anemia cases [2] and is a major global concern, affecting approximately 2 billion people [3]. Iron deficiency (ID) symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and impairment of physical and cognitive functioning [1]. A key strategy to counteract this is iron supplementation to replenish iron stores in the body. Iron supplementation bridges the gap between dietary iron and iron intake, especially in regions where there is insufficient dietary iron
intake, or it is poorly absorbed [4].

Iron supplementation can present several challenges in its use. The predominant concern is the gastrointestinal impact, where supplementation causes bloating and constipation, which may inhibit the uptake of iron [5]. The bioavailability of the iron and chemical interactions with other minerals and vitamins are also factors [6].

FeNIX PLUS is an iron supplement, produced by Thrivosity, that aims to address IDA and iron deficiency symptoms in adults. It includes a chelated form of iron that is easy for the body to absorb, in conjunction with a blend of vitamins that aid in iron absorption and general well-being. It also includes a blend of probiotics that, together with the chelated iron, diminish negative gastrointestinal impact and boost general gut health.

SUPPLEMENTING WITH IRON

Iron supplementation has been used for many years to combat IDA and ID related symptoms. Various forms and compounds of iron have been used, with differing efficacies and disadvantages. Ferrous compounds generally used to treat ID or IDA related symptoms include ferrous sulphate, fumarate, and gluconate. However, these compounds are associated with a high occurrence of negative gastrointestinal side-effects as well as low bioavailability [7].

Side-effects include nausea, constipation, bloating and abdominal pain [5] [8]. These side effects reduce iron absorption and lead to an increased likelihood to stop supplementation. In comparison, ferrous bisglycinate has been shown to have at least
twice the bioavailability and absorption in comparison to conventional compounds [9][10]. Additionally, studies analyzing the efficacy of iron bisglycinate in pregnant women, where gastrointestinal issues are more common and/or severe, showed that
the frequency of gastrointestinal issues in pregnant women receiving iron bisglycinate supplementation was lower than in other groups [8] [11] [12] [13].

FeNIX Plus utilizes Ferrous Bisglycinate Chelate (Ferrochel®) to provide elemental iron in a readily bioavailable form that also minimizes gastrointestinal side effects.

VITAMINS

Studies have indicated that food types and other dietary factors may influence iron bioavailability. A well-documented example is ascorbic acid, which has been shown to improve the bioavailability of iron by increasing acidity in the stomach which in turn
prevents the oxidation of ferrous iron to ferric iron, a less bioavailable form [6] [14]. Vitamins of the B-group, particularly B9 or folic acid, also play a key role in iron absorption and metabolism [8]. However, minerals such as calcium and beverages such as tea have been shown to inhibit the absorption of iron [15] [16].

As such, it is important that iron supplements are formulated with these synergies or dissensions between iron and vitamins and minerals in mind. FeNIX PLUS utilizes a full range of vitamins, in particular Vitamin C in ascorbic acid form and Vitamin B9, that
are synergetic in effect. This further increases the already enhanced absorption of the more bioavailable iron form.

PROBIOTICS

Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host” by the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics [17]. Probiotics have gained increasing public popularity
in recent years due to their possible positive impacts on gut health, relative low cost, and general accessibility [18].

Iron supplementation has been shown to shift the gut bacteria to a more inflammatory spectrum, which may inhibit iron absorption and bioavailability, and results in increased pathogenic load [19]. Lactic acid-forming bacteria (LAB), such as
Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium longum, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties [20], which counteract the effect of iron supplementation. LAB, and in particular Lactobacillus plantarum, have also been shown to increase the bioavailability and absorption of dietary iron [18] [21].

In conjunction with the positive impact of probiotics on gut health, specific strains of probiotics reduce the negative gastrointestinal effects of iron and increase dietary iron absorption. FeNIX PLUS contains a formulation of probiotics, including strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium longum amongst others. This ensures a minimal negative impact on gut health while boosting iron absorption.

CONCLUSION

Iron supplementation is a key strategy to providing and maintaining adequate levels of iron, a challenge to most of the global population. The choice of iron formulation is crucial when considering supplementation, particularly with the wide variety of
supplements available.

FeNIX PLUS is a unique formulation that provides a readily bioavailable and easily absorbable iron chelate form together with synergistic vitamins and probiotics.