This product contains iron in the form of iron bisglycinate. Here, each iron particle is powerfully bound (chelated) to two (bis) molecules of the amino acid glycine. The general term for such a compound is amino acid chelate or amino acid chelated mineral. The word "chelate" comes from the Greek and means "claw.

This compound form was chosen because it is mild to the stomach (most iron compounds are not) and because its bioavailability is particularly good. In addition, the formula is supplemented with vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid to further promote iron absorption. The iron bisglycinate in this product has the brand name Ferrochel® and comes from Albion Minerals, the specialist in amino acid-bound minerals.

Albion Minerals
Vitals uses only genuine amino acid chelates from Albion Minerals, identified by the TRAACS® trademark, which stands for The Real Amino Acid Chelate System. This trademark was created to properly differentiate from other, potentially inferior, unstable amino acid chelates. Albion has had more than 100 patents registered worldwide that guarantee the process, science and structure of their amino acid chelated minerals. In addition, research is conducted with their minerals and quality testing takes place with each batch produced. This is because it is essential to verify that chelating has actually taken place and that the bonds are strong enough.

Benefits of amino acid chelated minerals
The chelating structure in an amino acid chelate is strong enough not to be split under the influence of gastric juice or digestive enzymes (as usually happens with other mineral compounds), but also weak enough so that the mineral element can be liberated once absorbed by the cells in the intestine. The amino acids fold around the mineral element, protecting it during the digestive process and not releasing it. Also, the electrical charge of the chelate is neutral, so it does not stick to pieces of food in the stomach and intestines. Thus, the amino acid chelate reaches the small intestine in its entirety, where it is absorbed as a dipeptide (compound containing two amino acids). This is very advantageous because the body can absorb amino acids (and especially dipeptides) extremely easily. Especially when they consist of the amino acid with the smallest size, glycine. This makes amino acid chelated minerals many times more absorbable than other mineral forms. In the epithelial tissue of the jejunum (middle part of the small intestine), the amino acid-chelated mineral is brought to within the mucous cells by active transport without competing with other minerals. Only in the mucous cells do metabolic processes cause the glycine and mineral to be split and become available to the various organs and systems in the body.

Functioning of iron in the body
Iron is an essential trace element that, among other things, contributes to the production of the hemoglobin in red blood cells. In doing so, it plays a role in oxygen transport in the body. And because of this involvement in oxygen transport, it contributes to normal cognitive functions. In addition, iron is found in so-called cytochromes. These are certain enzymes with iron as a co-factor, which are involved in electron transport in the mitochondria, and are essential for the production of cellular energy in the form of ATP. In this way, iron is important for energy metabolism and supporting energy levels. It can therefore help reduce fatigue. Moreover, iron's role in oxygen transport and energy metabolism also means that it is needed for the formation of new cells and tissues. Furthermore, it has a positive influence on the immune system, possibly by being involved in the production and regulation of certain immune cells and substances.

Permitted health claims:

• Contributes to the normal formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells
• plays a role in oxygen transport in the body
• supports normal cognitive function
• is important for energy metabolism
• can help reduce fatigue
• helps the immune system
• has a beneficial effect on the cell division process