Most of the body's iron is found in hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells. Smaller amounts are found in the tissues as myoglobin and as cofactors for many enzymes. Because of its central role in the hemoglobin molecule, iron is essential for formation of red blood cells.

To determine the iron status of persons in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control calculated the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron-deficient anemia from data collected from physical exams and household interviews within a sample of the U.S. civilian, non-institutionalized population. The prevalence of iron deficiency was greatest among toddlers, ages 1-2 years (7%), and menstruating adolescent and adult females, ages 12-49 (9-16%).

An iron deficiency can manifest as weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath on exertion, dizziness, tinnitus, spots before the eyes, drowsiness, irritability, infrequent menstruation, and loss of libido.

What is picolinic acid? Picolinic acid is a metabolite of tryptophan, is similar to niacin, and is naturally produced in the pancreas. Picolinic acid can bind to minerals in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and facilitate their absorption into the bloodstream.Conventional iron supplementation, including forms such as ferrous sulfate, can cause GI side effects - including nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and dark-colored stools - because these conventional forms are poorly absorbed.

Thorne Research's Iron Picolinate provides 30 mg of elemental iron per capsule reacted with picolinic acid for superior absorption in the GI tract, thus preventing the typical GI side effects.

Ingredients

One Capsule Contains: Iron (as Iron Picolinate) 25 mg.

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule. May contain one or more of the following hypoallergenic ingredients to fill space - Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide.

Suggested Use: One capsule once to three times daily, or as otherwise directedby a health-care practitioner.

Warnings

ALLERGY WARNING; This product is contraindicated in an individual with a history of hypersensitivity to any of its ingredients.

EXCIPIENT FREE: This product does not contain wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy, egg, dairy products, or artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors. This product also does not contain lactose, palmitic acid, or magnesium, calcium, or vegetable stearates.

PREGNANCY WARNING: If pregnant or nursing, consult your health-care practitioner before using this product.

INTERACTIONS/CONTRAINDICATIONS: There are no known adverse interactions or contraindications at publication date.

OTHER WARNINGS: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under six. Keep this product out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.