Why are iron supplements chelated? Find Out!

Why are iron supplements chelated?

- Because chelation increases absorption. Minerals like iron are combined with amino acids to help the body absorb the iron better.

The body uses ferric or ferrous iron, but ferrous iron that naturally occurs is most easily used. Most iron is reduced to ferrous iron before being absorbed. Iron is use for enzymes and the rest is stored, in the liver, spleen, bone marrow and blood.

Iron is absorbed in the small intestines, usually within 4 hours of eating. How well you absorb iron depends on the amount of hydrochloric acid, a digestive acid in the digestive system, that is present.

Iron is stored in the body, and reused. We do lose some iron, through perspiration, menstruation, and in urine and feces. But given that iron is stored in the body, supplementation is not advised unless you have been told you need it by a doctor. Otherwise you may be in danger of accumulating toxic levels of iron in the body.

So, as you can see, the answer to why are iron supplements chelated, is basically to make them more efficiently used by your body. And there are a number of considerations in choosing a supplement. But remember to get your doctor to test your iron levels first so you don't become sick from iron toxicity.