One major function of iron is that it supports the normal production of red blood cells and haemoglobin. In this way, it boosts the efficiency of the transport of oxygen in our bodies. Your body needs a lot of oxygen when you are engaging in an endurance sport like running or cycling. Moreover, iron supports the release of energy from foods, meaning it boosts your energy level. We have listed the main functions of iron below:

• Iron supports the normal production of red blood cells and haemoglobin
• Iron aids effective transport of oxygen in the body
• Iron boosts energy metabolism
• Iron helps reduce fatigue
• Iron has a positive effect on the immune system
• Iron improves focus and memory

Since your body is unable to produce iron of its own accord, it is essential that you get enough iron from your food.

Two types of iron can be obtained from the food you eat: haem iron (also known as ‘heme iron’) and non-haem iron. Haem iron, which is only found in animal products such as meat and fish, is generally absorbed into the body better than non-haem iron, which is found in both animal products and plant-based products.

Approximately 25% of haem iron is absorbed into the body, whereas only 1 to 10% of non-haem iron is absorbed into the body. The presence of vitamin C (obtained from fruits and vegetables) can have a positive impact on the absorption of non-haem iron. However, there are also nutrients that reduce iron absorption. Coffee, tea, foods rich in calcium (such as dairy) and whole-grain products and legumes (which contain phytate) may inhibit the absorption of both haem and non-haem iron. Exercise, too, can reduce iron absorption – an effect which may last for six hours after exercise. In short, there are many factors that affect the absorption of iron in our bodies.

Various types of people should ensure proper iron intake. Iron supplements can help increase one’s iron intake. The following types of people should consider taking an iron supplement:

• People who get a lot of exercise (when you work out, you deplete your iron levels, for instance because you are sweating)
• Women of child-bearing age (women lose iron due to blood loss during menstruation)
• Athletes who are on a calorie-restricted diet
• People with low iron intake, or people who mainly consume a form of iron that is not well absorbed (e.g. vegetarians or vegans)
• Athletes training at high altitude

For altitude training to be effective, athletes must ensure that they have good iron status. The main goal of altitude training is to produce more red blood cells and increase blood haemoglobin levels. To achieve this, it is important that your body has enough iron stores. If your iron levels are low, your altitude training may be less effective. For this reason, athletes are advised to take iron supplements while training at altitude, and to undergo regular blood tests to monitor their iron status.

Iron Complex Gold contains three different iron compounds (iron bisglycinate, iron fumarate and iron gluconate) for optimum absorption. It also contains added vitamin C, which promotes iron absorption. The formula has been further optimised through the addition of vitamins A and B2, which promote iron availability in the body stores, and copper, which supports iron transport in the body.

Iron Complex Gold is produced in accordance with the anti-doping standards and other standards of the NZVT system (Anti-Doping Authority for the Netherlands) and is therefore allowed to carry the NZVT logo. In other words, Iron Complex Gold is safe for use by elite athletes, who can focus on delivering high-quality athletic performance, safe in the knowledge that they are not breaking any rules.

Take 1 capsule daily with a glass of water. For optimum absorption, take the capsule 30 minutes before breakfast. Do not combine with coffee, tea or dairy products.

Take 1 capsule from the packaging

Simply push the capsule out of the blister strip.

Take with plenty of water

This makes the capsule easier to take.

Preferably take with a meal

For example, with breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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