Prevent iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies worldwide and can lead to anemia over a long period.

Typical symptoms of iron deficiency:

✓ Persistent fatigue and exhaustion
✓ Pale skin & cold hands/feet
✓ Difficulty concentrating, headaches
✓ Brittle hair, fragile nails, cracked corners of the mouth
✓ Burning tongue & dry skin
✓ Inner restlessness or increased susceptibility to infection

People with high stress, women during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and elderly people have an increased risk of iron deficiency.
Medicom products contain iron in a highly available, easily absorbable form, meaning easily absorbable iron. It supports normal blood formation – ideal for increased demand. 

Iron-rich foods – natural iron sources

Both animal and plant sources are suitable for natural iron supply.
Iron-rich foods include:

✓ Red meat, liver, and poultry
✓ Legumes (lentils, beans, peas)
✓ Nuts & seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame)
✓ Whole grain products & oats
✓ Green vegetables (spinach, chard, lamb's lettuce)
✓ Dried fruits like apricots or dates

Tip: Avoid coffee, tea, or dairy products with iron-rich meals – they inhibit iron absorption.

Why Vitamin C is so important for iron absorption

Vitamin C is a crucial companion to iron: It converts plant-based (non-heme) iron into a more available form, thereby increasing the body's ability to absorb it.
Therefore, it is recommended to combine iron supplements or iron-rich foods with Vitamin C to prevent iron deficiency – for example, through fresh fruits, juices, or vegetables with high vitamin C content, such as bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, or orange juice.

Causes of iron deficiency

Iron deficiency often results from insufficient intake or increased demand for iron.
Vegetarians, vegans, or people with gastrointestinal diseases are particularly affected, as plant-based iron is less well utilized. Certain medications (e.g., acid blockers or diuretics) can also hinder absorption.

If diet is not sufficient for iron deficiency, iron supplements such as Eisen Direkt 14 mg from Medicom can help to naturally replenish iron stores.

What does iron have to do with blood? 

If the body lacks iron for an extended period, it directly affects blood formation. The trace element is a central component of hemoglobin, the red blood pigment that transports oxygen to all body cells. Without enough iron, this process can be disrupted – fatigue, paleness, and concentration problems are often the first signs.

Blood formation and iron – the body's transport and life system

In an adult's body, about four to seven liters of blood circulate – the basis for oxygen transport, nutrient supply, and healthy blood formation.
Blood supplies organs with oxygen and nutrients, transports hormones, regulates body temperature, and supports the immune system.

Blood formation primarily takes place in the bone marrow. Billions of new blood cells are formed there daily – a process for which iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 are indispensable. Adequate iron intake is crucial to prevent iron deficiency and related impairments in blood formation.

Vital nutrients for healthy blood cells

Iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 are the central vital nutrients for blood formation. They support the formation of red blood cells, oxygen transport, and cell division – and thus contribute significantly to energy and performance.

A balanced level of these nutrients ensures that the body can transport sufficient oxygen to muscles and organs. If one of these building blocks is missing, oxygen supply can be impaired – fatigue and lack of concentration are common consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Iron Deficiency & Blood Formation

Is iron deficiency the same as anemia?

No – iron deficiency and anemia are not identical, but they are closely related.

Anemia means blood deficiency – i.e., a reduced number of red blood cells or a too low hemoglobin value in the blood. This means less oxygen can be transported in the body. If there is too little iron, fewer red blood cells are produced. An iron deficiency can lead to so-called iron deficiency anemia if there is too little iron over a long period.

However, anemia can also have other causes – such as a deficiency of Vitamin B12 or folic acid, chronic diseases, or blood loss.

How do you know if you have iron deficiency?

Typical symptoms of iron deficiency are:
✓ Fatigue and exhaustion
✓ Paleness and cold hands
✓ Brittle nails, hair loss
✓ Concentration problems
✓ Dizziness or palpitations

Anyone who notices these signs should have their iron level (ferritin level) in the blood checked by a doctor, via a blood test.

Why is iron important for blood?

Iron is crucial for the formation of hemoglobin, the red blood pigment in erythrocytes (red blood cells). Hemoglobin binds oxygen in the lungs and transports it to all organs. A lack of iron means that less hemoglobin is formed – so the blood can transport less oxygen, which leads to fatigue and weakness.

How can I naturally prevent iron deficiency?

A balanced diet with iron-rich foods is the best way:
✓ Red meat, liver, poultry (especially offal)
✓ Legumes, lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas
✓ Whole grain products, nuts, pumpkin seeds
✓ Green vegetables like spinach, arugula or fennel
✓ Mushrooms like chanterelles, king boletes

Tip: Combine iron with Vitamin C (e.g., from orange juice, bell peppers or broccoli) to improve absorption in the body.

Why are women more often affected by iron deficiency?

Women regularly lose iron through menstruation, which increases their need. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also significantly increase iron requirements, as iron is needed for the growth and blood formation of the child. Therefore, women are statistically much more often affected by iron deficiency than men.

Women up to 51 years of age are recommended to take 15 mg of iron daily. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is even 30 mg. According to the National Consumption Study II, over 75% of women of childbearing age do not reach the recommended iron intake. Men require a daily intake of 10 mg of iron, according to the German Nutrition Society. (Source: National Consumption Study II, 2008).

Which iron supplements are well tolerated?

Well-tolerated iron supplements are characterized by high bioavailability and a stomach-friendly formulation.
Products like Eisen Direkt 14 mg from Medicom contain iron in a highly absorbable compound – combined with Vitamin C for better absorption.

Discover these iron supplements from Medicom:

- Eisen Direkt 14 mg: fast & well-tolerated iron supply with Vitamin C in a practical stick – 14 mg iron per stick

- Nobilin Mineral Plus®: Iron combined with minerals, trace elements and Vitamin D3 – 4 mg iron per softgel capsule

- Nobilin Vision Complex: Iron combined with antioxidant plant compounds & zinc, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 and pantothenic acid – 14 mg iron per capsule

Quality you can rely on

✓ Highly bioavailable iron compounds
✓ Laboratory tested & free from artificial additives
✓ Gluten-free, lactose-free & fructose-free
✓ Vegan, sustainable & made in Germany
✓ Medicom – Quality for 30 years