Iron, an important regulator of cognitive function
Iron is an essential nutrient for energy, but did you know that neurons also need considerable quantities of iron? Our brain uses iron to accomplish many important tasks, including the manufacture of new neurons, the development of synapses (spaces where neurons communicate) and the synthesis of neurotransmitters.
Iron in the blood is allowed to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the protected inner circle of cerebral circulation. It is assumed that endothelial cells (the cells that line our blood vessels) regulate the entry of iron into the brain, acting as iron guardians and releasing it when needed.
Since the source of iron for the brain throughout adult life is the bloodstream, the brain's iron status is directly affected by the quality of our diet and our overall iron levels. Iron deficiency in the body (with or without anemia) has both short- and long-term repercussions on mental function, mood and behavior. Studies have concluded thatiron deficiency can lead to impaired cognitive function and attention span.
Beware of iron deficiency
Iron is needed in a balanced way throughout life. Iron deficiency is considered common in early childhood, when the brain particularly needs the right amount of iron to support rapid growth and development, but a risk of iron deficiency can also occur at other times of life.
Iron deficiency impacts mental, emotional and motor functions by affecting the brain's ability to produce the enzymes involved in the release of neurotransmitters that transmit messages between neurons. We need iron to produce these neurotransmitters, notably serotonin (our happiness hormone) and dopamine (our good mood hormone).
We also need it to produce norepinephrine (necessary for our stress response) and monoamine oxidase (an enzyme that helps break down these neurotransmitters as needed, to maintain their perfect balance and quantity).
Flora's Ferritin+, a natural and practical solution
Getting all the nutrients you need through diet and supplementation can protect your mental health, both mood and cognition. Various tests have shown the importance of a good balance of minerals such as zinc, iron, copper and selenium, as the absence of such a balance can have an impact on cognitive performance.
It's easy to understand why we need to consume enough iron, but at a reasonable and safe dose. How much is enough? Several studies estimate that the bare minimum adult men need for good health is 8 mg a day, and most young adult women need 18 mg. In case of deficiency, a little more should be taken.
Ferritin+ by Flora is a natural, plant-based supplement providing 20 mg of iron per capsule, enough to prevent deficiency without the risk of overload. Because it is recognized by the ferritin receptors on your endothelial cells, they control the supply of iron to your cells, making it exceptionally safe.
Taking iron has never been so convenient!
We wish you good health!
The team at La Boite à Grains
In collaboration with Flora
References
1. https://ca-en.florahealth.com/fr/blogs/articles/iron-and-brain-function