Size: 250ml
Formulated by Salus
Iron is a nutrient that essential for the delivery of oxygen to every cell in the body.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body requires significantly more iron to meet the demands for the growth and development of a child1,2.
Iron picks up oxygen from the lungs, loads it onto red blood cells, and transports it to every cell in the body, including the womb. Our cells use this oxygen to make energy, and one of the highest demands for energy is growth of a baby in utero2.
According to Health Canada, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency during pregnancy. About 18% of pregnant women are iron deficient3, and research shows that iron deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and infant mortality, premature birth, low birth weight and impaired cognitive and behavioural development4-6. Health Canada recommends supplementing 16 to 20mg of iron daily during pregnancy to reduce these risks2.
There is significant blood loss during childbirth and in the following weeks, resulting in depletion of iron stores in new moms. During breastfeeding, a baby requires high amounts of iron to continue healthy growth and development. Interestingly, breastfed babies tend to receive the same amount of iron from mom, regardless of mom’s iron level7. This means mom preferentially gives iron to her baby trough the breastmilk, depletingher own stores.
Sleeplessness in new parenthood is normal, but iron deficiency is a separate and preventable cause of postpartum fatigue. Fatigue in breastfeeding women is significantly correlated with postpartum depression and early cessation of breastfeeding8.
The best way to understand your iron status is by having a blood test to measure something called ferritin, which is our iron storage. Ferritin is not reliable in the first six weeks postpartum, so it should be tested during pregnancy and repeated six to eight weeks postpartum.
The tricky part is that “normal” ferritin is defined as 5-272 ug/L. Since this is a wide range, you can imagine that someone with a ferritin of 7 ug/L would feel very different from someone with a ferritin level of 200 ug/L.Dr. Hilary suggests aiming for a ferritin of 70-100 ug/L to support the healthy growth and development of baby during pregnancy, as well as mom’s increased iron requirements during breastfeeding.
Some groups of people are likely to have low iron, including:
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding2
- Vegans and vegetarians1
- Women with heavy periods1
- People lacking a nutrient-rich diet1,4
- Children with behavioural concerns or ADHD9
- People experiencing fatigue, depression, or brain fog10
- People taking acid blocking medications for heartburn1
- People with digestive conditions such as Celiac disease, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and SIBO1
It can be challenging to get enough iron from diet alone, especially given the increased requirements for iron during pregnancy and breastfeeding2. Nausea, constipationand food aversions can make it even more challenging to eat a diet high in iron. Health Canada recommends daily iron supplementation of 16-20mg during pregnancy2.
Floravit is a liquid iron supplement that is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it promotes the formation of healthy red blood cells. The iron is in form called ferrous gluconate, which is effectively absorbed, gentle on the stomach, and unlikely to cause digestive upset or constipation11.
Floravit provides vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12. These vitamins work synergistically with iron to promote the formation of healthy red blood cells to treat and prevent anemia during pregnancy and postpartum. In addition, B vitamins are essential for the conversion of oxygen into energy once it has been delivered to our cells12.
Floravit contains a combination of nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and herbs that have been carefully selected to improve the digestion and absorption of iron. It is free from alcohol,artificial colours and flavours, and is yeast, dairy, and gluten free, and vegan-friendly.
Floravit is also suitable for children, adolescents, and non-pregnant individuals who require supplementation to achieve healthy iron levels.
Dr. Hilary’s Lifestyle Changes To Support Healthy Iron Levels
- Focus on iron-rich foods, including meat, fish, dark leafy greens, brown rice, beans, nuts and seeds and iron-fortified grains.
- Avoid consuming foods that block iron absorption within two hours of an iron supplement or eating iron-rich foods1. These include black tea, coffee, cocoa, and calcium-rich foods such as dairy, almonds, and broccoli.
- Increase foods that boost iron absorption1, including foods high in vitamin C and beta carotene. These vitamins are found in yellow, orange and red fruits and vegetables, such as grapefruit, oranges, bell peppers, beets, carrots, squash, and tomatoes.
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking acid blocking medications (proton pump inhibitors, antacids), as they impair iron absorption.
- Heal the gut lining to improve absorption of iron in the small intestine.
- Blood work should be done in each trimester, as well as six to eight weeks postpartum to test your ferritin level. Aim for an optimal ferritin level of 70-100 ug/L.
HOW IT WORKS
Our daily iron requirements are increased during pregnancy and lactation to support the healthy growth and development of baby in utero2, and to support mom’s energy levels and mood during breastfeeding8.
It is important to have our iron tested during pregnancy and six to eight weeks postpartum so that we can adjust our diet and supplements to achieve and maintain healthy levels. Since iron deficiency is common in pregnancy3, and it can increase the risk of complications for mom and baby4, Health Canada recommends daily iron supplementation of 16-20mg during pregnancy2.
Floravit provides the daily recommended dose of iron with a synergistic blend of B vitamins and nutrient-rich food extracts to enhance the absorption, digestion, and effects of iron in the body. Floravit is safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding, gentle on digestion, free from alcohol, artificial colours and flavours, yeast, dairy, and gluten, and it is vegan-friendly.
Floravit is formulated to support the health of both mom and baby during pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding.
Elemental Iron II (Ferrous gluconate)
- Easily absorbed, gentle on the digestive system, and non-constipating11.
- Provides the daily recommended dose of iron during pregnancy to support the healthy growth and development of baby and reduce the risk of complications at birth2.
- Replenishes and maintains stores of iron during breastfeeding to reduce fatigue, early cessation of breastfeeding, and postpartum depression8.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine hydrochloride)
- Essential for the conversion of food and oxygen into energy12.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium)
- Required to activate vitamin B6 and folic acid12.
- Essential for the conversion of food and oxygen into energy.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride)
- Required for the production of haemoglobin in the red blood cells12.
- Essential for the conversion of food and oxygen into energy.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin)
- Required for the production of red blood cells. Low vitamin B12 can result in anemia12.
- Essential for the conversion of food and oxygen into energy.
- Whole-food sources of beta carotene and vitamin C improve the absorption of iron1.
- Fennel and chamomile soothe the stomach and improve digestion.
- Source of healthy antioxidants.
INGREDIENTS:
Each 10 ml Contains
Elemental Iron II (Ferrous gluconate) 10mg
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine hydrochloride) 2.5mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium) 4mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride) 2mg
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 7.5 mcg
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Aqueous extracts of rosehip, chamomile, fennel, spinach; juice concentrates of black grape, pear, black currant, cherry, blackberry, and carrot; rosehip extract, purified water, and ascorbic acid (antioxidant).
Vegan | Gluten Free | Yeast Free | Dairy Free | Kosher
DOSAGE:
Adults & adolescents 14+: 10ml twice daily before meals
Children 10-14yrs: 10ml once daily before a meal
Children 5-9yrs: 5ml once daily before a meal
Children 2-4yrs: 4ml once daily before a meal
CAUTIONS:
Do not use if you are allergic to anethole or plants of the Apiaceae/Carrot family, or if you are sensitive to Matricaria or plants of the Compositae family. Taking a daily multivitamin mineral supplement along with this product may result in constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting due to the high intake of iron.
Keep out of reach of children.
REFERENCES:
- .National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplement fact sheet: iron. 24 August 2007. Accessed 25 January 2021.
- Health Canada. Prenatal nutrition guidelines for health professionals – Iron contributes to a healthy pregnancy. 2009. Accessed 26 January 2021.
- Mei Z, Cogswell ME, Looker AC et al. Assessment of iron status in US pregnant women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1999-2006. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 Jun;93(6):1312-20.
- World Health Organization. Iron Deficiency Anaemia: Assessment, Prevention, and Control. World Health Organization, 2001.
- Scholl TO. Maternal iron status Nutr Rev. 2011;69 Suppl 1.
- Cogswell ME, Parvanta I, Ickes L et al. Iron supplementation during pregnancy, anemia, and birth weight: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr.2003;78:773-81.
- Rusia U. Mother’s iron status, breastmilk iron and lactoferrin-are they related? Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Jul;60(7):903–8.
- Rioux FM, Savoie N, Allard J. Is there a link between postpartum anemia and discontinuation of breastfeeding? Can J Diet Pract Res. 2006 Jan;67(2):72–6.
- Konofal E, Lecendreux M, Arnulf I, Mouren M. Iron Deficiency in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med.2004;158(12):1113–1115.
- Houston BL, Hurrie D, Graham J, et al. Efficacy of iron supplementation on fatigue and physical capacity in non-anaemic iron-deficient adults: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ Open. 2018;8(4):e019240.
- Briase H, Hallberg L. Absorbability of different iron compounds. Acta Med Scand Suppl. 1962;376:23-37.
- Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy--A Review. Nutrients. 2016;8(2):68.