Exhaustion has reached epidemic levels for women, with new research revealing that 9 out of 10 Irish women
are struggling with extreme tiredness in their daily lives. The findings come as studies show that only 18% of Irish women get adequate iron from their diet and one in three women stop taking iron supplements because of side effects
“Women are currently battling on despite feeling tired or fatigued. Iron shortfalls are being overlooked,” says Dr Patricia Ryan, GP. “Iron deficiency is a huge problem particularly for women and young adults in Ireland and we need to understand that using caffeine or chocolate and even rest, may not be the solution. Many people have had bad experiences taking iron products because of side effects, and often try dietary measures such as eating leafy greens which simply cannot address iron deficiency satisfactorily”.
Now, Enterprise Ireland-backed Solvotrin Therapeutics, together with scientists from Trinity College, Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD) have come up with an innovative and clinically proven solution to address iron deficiency, while being kind on the body. This revolutionary new iron formulation avoids side effects traditionally associated with iron, such as constipation and upset stomach, while also dramatically increasing the iron absorption in the body. This new iron, being marketed as Active Iron is a real breakthrough, providing a solution for those who suffer from tiredness caused by low iron.
Speaking at the launch of Active Iron in Dublin, Associate Professor at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in TCD, and a member of the team that developed Active Iron, Prof. John Gilmer said, “Up to now, there has been no solution that raises serum iron without side effects such as nausea, constipation and stomach upset. Active Iron’s advanced formulation, not only addresses iron deficiency, but also protects the gut, avoiding these side effects. This makes Active Iron a game changer for women who need more iron.”
According to Solvotrin co-founder from the School of Medicine in UCD, Prof. Mark Ledwidge, “Irish research shows that the majority of women before, during and after pregnancy, are not getting enough iron in their diets. Women and also adolescent girls are at particular risk because of blood loss during monthly menstruation and in addition, the need for iron also increases during pregnancy.2 Other at risk groups include vegetarians, vegans and endurance athletes. Iron is essential for energy production and oxygen transportation, so tiredness and lethargy are usually the first signs of a shortfall. Other warning signs include cold hands and feet, headache, feeling short of breath, pale skin, hair loss and heart palpitations.”
GPs and health professionals recommend and regularly prescribe iron, with the international gold-standard up to now being ferrous sulfate. However, these iron products are poorly absorbed and three out of four women taking iron experience unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects including abdominal pain, nausea, constipation or diarrhoea and heartburn. Active Iron protects the digestive system, by encasing the iron in protein microspheres, which break down in the small intestine where iron is best absorbed. In addition, clinical trials confirm that Active Iron’s advanced formulation doubles the amount of iron absorbed compared with the gold standard, while being so gentle on the digestive system that it can be taken on an empty stomach.
Active Iron is now available in leading pharmacies in Ireland.