Iron with Cofactors Dr. Lynch Q&AUpdated an hour ago

Hi Bridget -

Iron is pro-inflammatory so I would not work on increasing iron levels in an inflamed state.

To help support healthy inflammation, consider:

• Glutathione Plus Lozenge: 1/2 to 1 lozenge upon waking and another 1/2 midday
• Optimal Electrolyte: 1 serving upon waking and another serving midday
• Joint Nutrients: 1 capsule upon waking and another capsule before bed to support healthy inflammation.*
• CoQ10: 1 capsule after breakfast
• Fish Oil: 2 capsules after dinner to support healthy APOB levels.
• ProBiota HistaminX: 1 capsule after dinner
• use a 100% gluten-free and cow dairy-free diet for 2 weeks to see how you feel.

Work on this for a few weeks. Then, once you are feeling better, then add in the Optimal Iron after dinner.

These nutrients are not going to increase anxiety. I chose them specifically to support your healthy APOB and inflammation.*

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Brigid -

Congratulations on your pregnancy! :)

I like the Optimal Iron as it's higher amounts of iron and has the cofactors for supporting healthy absorption.*

If you're already taking the vitamin A, C, zinc and the other nutrients found in Optimal Iron, then use the Iron Chewable and take 2-3 chewables a day. They are quite small, taste great and use a high quality iron.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Kyra -

Ferrous sulfate can be hard on the stomach for some. It may also lead to constipation.

Ferrous glycinate is more bioavailable (2.5 - 3.4x more) than ferrous sulfate which is why you don't need as much.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18499399/

Common reasons for low iron in the presence of a diet containing meat include:

• Low stomach acid. You need stomach acid to digest meat and liberate nutrients like iron.
• B12 deficiency. You need B12 for iron absorption.
• Vitamin C deficiency. You need vitamin C for iron absorption.
• Low copper. Copper converts iron from its ferric form to its ferrous form before it can be used.
• Too much copper and too little molybdenum.
• Too much copper and too little manganese.
• High oxalates. Oxalates can bind to iron and make it unavailable.
• Parasites.
• SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
• Other gut disorders such as celiac disease.
• Bleeding in the gut, but you would generally experience stools that are closer to a black colour in this case.

As you can see there can be a variety of reasons for unexplained low iron.

You may need to work with a healthcare practitioner who can help you figure this out so you're not so reliant on supplements.

In the meantime do the following:

• Don't drink tea or consume high-phytate foods (beans, legumes, seeds, nuts) with iron-containing food such as meat. Phytates interfere with iron absorption.
• Have some apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in a small amount of water before meals to stimulate digestive juices.
• Check the colour of your stools and make sure they are not black or contain fresh blood.
• Don't drink green smoothies containing lots of spinach. Spinach is high oxalate.

All the best :)
Elizma Lambert (ElizmaLambert.com)

Hi Samifer -

The key is to use Optimal Iron AFTER eating a meal.

I recommend taking the Optimal Iron after dinner or your largest meal of the day.

That should resolve the issue.

If you're already doing that, then I recommend considering Gut Nutrients and taking 3 to 5 capsules before bed to support a healthy gut lining.*

In health,
Dr. Lynch

PS - glad you love the electrolytes! the new ones are epic! I just finished a tall glass of Orange. ;)

Hi Dawn -

A couple things here.

Consider having her health professional test her estrogen levels.

It may be a fibroid and not a polyp.

Fibroids are associated with high estrogen.

Optimal Iron is a great iron supportive supplement.* She would take 1 capsule with dinner. She may also need to take another capsule with lunch.

If her estrogen levels are determined to be high, then she needs to support healthy estrogen levels.

Support healthy estrogen levels by taking DIM+I3C after dinner.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Sue -

Take the Optimal Iron in the afternoon with your lunch. That will be enough time between.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Keri -

I'm stepping in for Dr. Lynch to help answer the influx of questions we're receiving.

I'm not sure if the level of 14 is referring to serum iron or ferritin levels. For ferritin 14 is extremely low. For serum iron, it is low or low-normal at the least.

Make sure both her serum iron and ferritin levels are tested. The ratio between the two readings can make all the difference in how you address this.

When it comes to iron it's often the form of iron, and not the dose, that makes all the difference.

High-dose iron supplements (typically iron sulfate) that are not well absorbed can cause constipation. Iron bisglycinate (the form of iron in Optimal Iron) is well absorbed and typically does not cause constipation.

You can give your daughter 2 capsules a day for a few weeks to a month and then revert to 1 capsule per day.

I suggest you get her tested after 3 months of iron supplementation. You do not want to take iron indefinitely without a good reason.

Regards,
Elizma Lambert (Naturopath)

Hi Nicole -

It's wise to check how many minerals you're getting across the board.

Yes, it is ok to take as long as your copper levels are not elevated.

The upper daily limit of copper for ages 19 and up is 10 mg.

This combination of Optimal Iron plus your zinc/copper supplement is 2.5 mg so you're good.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Michelle -

I cannot give a dosage recommendation as that is treatment but I can suggest that you follow the suggested use of 1 capsule a day and possibly 2 capsules a day - one capsule with breakfast and one with lunch. By taking it separately like this, you're supporting healthy absorption without increasing risk of constipation.

Always take it with food.

If you can, I also recommend eating some grass fed liver from a cow.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Sarah -

If your son has hemochromatosis, one has to be careful with how much iron he is consuming.

Check his serum ferritin, total iron binding content and MCV and MCH.

This has nothing to do if he has MTHFR or not.

It will be very easy for him to get too much iron so I'd focus on making sure he gets enough iron in his diet through red meat.

He can also use Kids Multivitamin Chewable and take 1-2 chewables with a protein based breakfast to support his overall nutrition.

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Traci -

I recommend the Optimal Iron capsules. Take with food - likely dinner is best.

For endometriosis, that is typically associated with high estrogen levels.

Consider supporting healthy estrogen levels by taking:*

• 1 capsule of DIM+I3C after dinner
• 2 capsules of Gallbladder Nutrients before dinner
• 1 capsule of ProBiota HistaminX after dinner to support a healthy microbiome as well

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Hi Kayla -

Great question.

It is designed to be used in conjunction with any of our prenatal vitamins. I designed it this way - so it's ok to use.

At the moment though, we are out of stock on it.

We do have the Iron Chewable on hand.

You will likely need 2 chewables and take with dinner:
https://www.seekinghealth.com/products/iron-chewable

In health,
Dr. Lynch

Thank you for your question! For a similar product that is well absorbed and gentle on the stomach, try Iron Chewable.

Thank you for your question! Our suggested use is 1 capsule in the morning with breakfast or as directed by your healthcare professional.