Iron | Iron glycinate

Iron | Iron glycinate

Properties: Iron is one of the key micronutrients responsible for a number of processes in the body. For example, it supports the immune system and nervous system. It is also an ingredient of many enzymes and is even responsible for maintaining proper body temperature. The most important function of iron, however, is its effect on oxygen transport – the basic process that keeps us alive. Respiration ensures that we get enough oxygen, which can then reach all the body’s tissues and provide them with energy. Oxygen molecules, however, do not travel through our bodies in a free state. They need a certain carrier through which they can “flow” along with the blood. Such a carrier is hemoglobin – a protein found in red blood cells. Oxygen molecules can attach themselves to it. What is the role of iron in this? Iron is one of the components of hemoglobin. So without it, oxygen transport would simply be impossible. Moreover, iron is part of myoglobin, a protein that is involved in the storage of oxygen in striated muscles. It thus enables muscles to work better, especially when they are under particularly heavy strain.

It is worth noting that the proper work of the immune system would also not be possible without iron. This is particularly evident when the level of iron in the body is reduced. Then the defense capabilities of the body are severely limited. We are exposed to all sorts of infections and endure all various conditions more intensively. By maintaining proper levels of iron, we can take care of the proper state of our immunity and prevent the dangerous effects of deficiency of this micronutrient. In addition, this element supports antioxidant processes, so it contributes to the fight against reactive oxygen species that damage delicate cellular structures. Besides that, iron determines the efficiency of the nervous system – primarily in terms of concentration. It has been shown that iron deficiency can cause cognitive decline. It also results in a lowered mood. Indeed, the presence of iron is crucial for the activity of neurotransmitters responsible for emotional stability, well-being and coping with stress.

Occurrence: In dietary sources, iron occurs in heme (at the second oxidation state) and non-heme (at the third oxidation state) forms. The former has a much higher bioavailability than the latter, and its absorption is less susceptible to interference from other nutrients. However, its share in a typical Western diet is relatively small – about 10%. Heme iron can be found in animal products such as pork, beef, poultry, fish, offal, eggs, milk and dairy products. Non-heme iron is found in vegetable products such as flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, blue poppy seeds, pistachios, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, buckwheat groats, millet groats, amaranth, quinoa, oatmeal, beans, soybeans, lentils, parsley. Its bioavailability is increased by the presence of vitamin C, while large amounts of polyphenols and phytates reduce it. Calcium, on the other hand, reduces the bioavailability of both forms of iron – both nonheme and heme iron.

Biochemistry: iron (Fe) is an element of the transition metal group. In its pure form, it is a shiny, silvery-gray solid whose surface oxidizes on contact with air. It is essential for life in almost all organisms: microorganisms, plants and animals. It enters into the composition of many enzymes responsible for cellular respiration and oxidation and reduction reactions It is found in the active centers of catalase, peroxidases and cytochromes, among others, and in the prosthetic groups of numerous metalloproteins, such as hemoglobin and myoglobin. The body of an adult human contains 4-5 g of iron, most of which is bound in hemoglobin.

Fun fact: Iron is actually formed as a result of thermonuclear reactions occurring in the nuclei of large stars (at least 9 times the size of the Sun). These involve the fusion of nuclei of lighter elements, such as hydrogen and helium, and the formation of heavier nuclei, accompanied by the release of energy. This process continues until iron appears in the star’s nucleus. This is because its nucleus is the last one whose formation involves the release of energy. The synthesis of heavier elements requires its supply. The presence of iron is therefore a death sentence for the star – for it can no longer produce energy to balance its gravity, and in less than a second it collapses under its own weight. At that point, the pressure and temperature in its interior rapidly increase, and its outer layers violently bounce off the nucleus, generating extremely bright light visible as a supernova. It was such spectacular explosions that allowed iron to spread throughout the universe.