Sloiron®

Current iron supplementation is not well tolerated and can have side effects such as constipation and gastrointestinal discomfort. There are also few vegan, plant-based forms of iron supplementation.

Those at risk for iron-deficiency include young children and pregnant women. Iron deficiency in young children can lead to slow cognitive development. Iron deficiency in pregnant women can lead to premature delivery and a low birth-weight baby. Pregnant women and young children, at risk for iron-deficiency and its consequences, are also especially sensitive to the gastrointestinal distress of traditional iron supplementation.

Ferritin-iron is organized in such a way that the ferritin protein acts as a protective cage for the iron, which is contained within the ferritin shell as a bionanomineral called Ferrihydrite (Fe203H20). The ferritin cage also serves as a natural enteric coating for the Fe and is not broken down inside the stomach. When it reaches the gut, the gut cell absorbs the ferritin protein cage as a whole using a dedicated absorption mechanism called receptor-mediated endocytosis. Because the Fe is still contained within the ferritin cage during the entire process of this absorption mechanism, it keeps the reactive Fe from ever being exposed to the gut cell wall. This is unique to ferritin-iron because all other iron forms require the naked Fe to pass independently through the gut cell wall, which may cause irritation to the gut.

Ferritin also provides a slow release of iron. This slow-release property may protect from possible harmful iron overload and allows the Fe to be delivered effectively to where the body needs it when it needs it.

Ferritin-iron is bioavailable and has shown in human clinical studies to be just as well absorbed in humans as ferrous sulfate.