New European research suggests that two common compounds found in iron supplements could increase the growth of a known biomarker for cancer.
Carried out by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden in collaboration with researchers from the UK Medical Research Council and the University of Cambridge, the study looked at the effects of ferric citrate and ferric EDTA, often used in dietary supplements, on human cancer cells in the laboratory.
The team used normal supplemental doses of the compounds and compared the effects of both to ferrous sulfate, another commonly available iron compound.
They found that although ferrous sulfate had no effect on the cells, both ferric citrate and ferric EDTA caused an increase of amphiregulin, a biomarker for cancer, even at low doses.
“We can conclude that ferric citrate and ferric EDTA might be carcinogenic, as they both increase the formation of amphiregulin, a known cancer marker most often associated with long-term cancer with poor prognosis,” said Nathalie Scheers, lead author on the study.
Both ferric citrate and ferric EDTA are used in products available around the world, including the USA and the EU.
This is why it’s critical that we stop trying to supplement with synthetic products, and instead follow the laws of nature and stick with organic, whole food nutrients. We’re literally killing ourselves with products we’ve been trained to perceive as aides or medicine, including iron supplements.
The other challenge is low iron is a global problem. Iron is a trace mineral that is essential for health, yet it is estimated that as much as 60% of Americans don’t get enough iron. The World Health Organization says, “Iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world. 2 billion people—over 30% of the world’s population—are deficient.”1
Optimal Iron contains organic glycinate iron, the only patented form of iron (organic amino acid chelated) in a blend proven to be assimilated up to 400% more than other iron supplements. This means that, rather than building up as a toxin, Optimal Iron is effectively used to enhance health. Studies have also shown that this patented organic form of iron has a strong evidence of low toxicity and safety for long-term use.
The overall safety of organic glycinate iron is found in its unique patented chemistry, and its absorption is not inhibited by other dietary components such as tannins, phytates, phosphates and other metals. Organic glycinate iron has also demonstrated increased bioavailability since it does not enter into other chemical reactions associated with iron salts.
