When body iron stores are low, RBCs don’t form properly: they are smaller than usual (microcytosis) and fewer in number (low RBC), and can demonstrate reduced hemoglobin and hematocrit.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world and most commonly affects children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, people who donate blood frequently, and people with certain medical conditions.

When someone is deficient in iron, many signs and symptoms can develop. Hair loss, nail changes, shortness of breath, acne, restless legs, pale skin, weakness, fatigue, headaches, depression, difficulty concentrating, cracked lips, heavy periods, reduced athletic performance, ADHD, canker sores, poor school performance, poor cognitive development, and more!

Those at risk for iron deficiency include children, menstruating women, pregnant or lactating women, people eating a vegan or vegetarian diet, and those with diseases of malabsorption like celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), IMO (intestinal methanogen overgrowth), atrophic gastritis, H. pylori infection, some types of gastric bypass surgery, and more.

Iron absorption is inhibited by calcium so it is not recommended to take iron pills with calcium or meals containing calcium. Many other foods and beverages may interfere with iron absorption, including green and black tea, and coffee.

Iron absorption is enhanced by vitamin C so iron supplements or foods high in iron should be consumed with vitamin C supplements or vitamin C-rich foods. That’s why EZ-Iron contains 100 mg of vitamin C per capsule. Vitamins B-12, B-6, and folate are included to provide enhanced support of red blood cell formation.

While ferrous sulfate is one of the most common forms of iron found in supplements, it is not very well absorbed and tends to cause gastrointestinal distress. We use the gentle ferrous bisglycinate chelate (Ferrochel™) which is easier on the gastrointestinal tract. Ferrochel is a patented form of iron bisglycinate that is easier to absorb and is less likely to inhibit the absorption of other nutrients such as calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D.