Why 11mg of Iconic Iron feels better than 84mg of traditional iron supplements
Feeling tired and wiped out…even after taking an iron supplement?
You’ve done everything right. You’ve had the blood test. You’ve picked up the supplement. Maybe even one of those high-dose iron tablets – 60mg, 80mg, or more – thinking that surely more must be better.
But weeks later, you’re still tired. Still foggy. Still dragging yourself through the day… and now, to top it off, you’re constipated, nauseous, and your gut feels completely off.
Sound familiar?
If so, you’re not alone – and you’re not imagining it. There’s a common misconception that when it comes to iron, more equals better. But in reality, it’s not the amount of iron that matters most – it’s how your body absorbs and uses it.
The problem with traditional iron supplements
Most conventional iron supplements are made from forms like ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate – types of iron that break apart in your stomach, releasing what’s called “free iron” into the gut. This “free iron” is highly reactive, and while that sounds powerful, it can do more harm than good.
Here’s what often follows:
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Constipation
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Nausea
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Stomach cramps or discomfort
Even worse, this form of iron can trigger a hormone called hepcidin. And when hepcidin is elevated, it tells your body to stop absorbing iron. So despite taking 80mg, your body might only take up a tiny fraction – if it can tolerate it at all.
This is why so many people say, “I took iron to feel better – and ended up feeling worse.”
The solution: gut-friendly, bioavailable iron
That’s where Iconic Iron offers something different.
Formulated by Dr Libby, Iconic Iron contains ferritin-iron – a form of iron found in organic peas. But what makes ferritin special isn’t just its source – it’s the way your body absorbs it.
Rather than flooding the gut with reactive free iron, ferritin-iron stays safely wrapped inside a natural protein shell (think of it like a tiny protective cage). It’s absorbed through a unique, controlled process called receptor-mediated endocytosis, which bypasses the irritation and inflammation that many people experience with traditional forms.
No gut discomfort. No hepcidin spike. Just gentle, consistent support your body can actually use.
What makes Iconic Iron even more powerful
Iron needs co-factors to be absorbed, transported and used by your body. Without these key nutrients, even the best iron supplement can’t do its job properly.
Iconic Iron is more than just iron – it’s a complete support system.
It combines:
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Ferritin-iron for superior absorption and gut-friendly delivery
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Copper (from sesame) to support ceruloplasmin, the protein that safely transports iron in your blood
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Beta-carotene (from carrots) to help release stored iron from your tissues
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Kiwifruit extract for its anti-inflammatory and prebiotic properties
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Vitamin C (from acerola) for antioxidant protection and enhanced iron metabolism
This synergy helps ensure the ferritin-iron in our blend is also transported and used – not just absorbed. Because it’s not just about raising your iron levels – it’s about supporting your whole system, so that iron can do what it’s meant to: restore your energy, mental clarity and resilience.
“But my other iron is 84mg…is 11mg enough?”
We get this question a lot.
On paper, 11mg might seem modest compared to an 84mg supplement. But remember – absorption is everything. High doses of traditional ferrous iron often trigger hepcidin, blocking absorption. So even though the label says 84mg, your body absorbs only a fraction – if it can tolerate the gut discomfort at all.
In contrast, clinical trials show that just 10mg of ferritin-iron per day improved iron status in women with iron deficiency anaemia within 9 weeks, because it bypasses all those usual absorption hurdles.
(Research here if you’re curious: Read the study) What if you’ve recently had an infusion? If you’ve recently had an infusion, your iron stores (ferritin) may be temporarily high. It's wise to wait until those levels settle – usually closer to 100 μg/L – before starting oral supplementation again. A simple blood test about two months post-infusion can help you make an informed decision. Less iron. More impact. The lower dose (11mg) in Iconic Iron provides superior bioavailability and comfort. You get the iron you need without the uncomfortable side effects. It’s not just about what you take – it’s about how your body can use it.
Want to learn more?
Explore how our gentle, gut-friendly formula can help you feel like yourself again.
