Ancient Nutrition Ancient Nutrients Iron

Key Ingredients

Vitamins and minerals from real food sources, paired with time-tested superfood ingredients.

Why is this iron supplement different than many others on the market?

In general, iron can be irritating to the gut. However, we carefully sourced a  source of iron that is gentle on the gut. Ancient Nutrients Iron also features vitamin C, which is generally key for iron absorption in the human body.

What is the complete list of superfoods in Ancient Nutrients Iron TCM Blend?

Bovine Liver

An ancient nutritional powerhouse, liver is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. Containing vitamins A, D, B12, B2, B3, B5, B6, omega-3s, iron, folate, zinc and more, this liver from grass-fed New Zealand cattle is amazing.

Bone Broth

Our ancestors simmered bones, marrow, feet, skin, tendons and ligaments for days to create bone broth containing collagen, proline, glycine and glutamine. Our chicken bone broth comes from U.S. sources we trust, while our beef bone broth is derived from Europe.

Organic Chinese Peony Root Extract

Also known as “Bai Shao”, this highly regarded root is revered for its amazing benefits.

Organic Bai-Zhu Atractylodes Root Extract

Bitter, sweet and warm in nature, Bai Zhu is a specially selected ingredient.

Organic Codonopsis Root Extract

Also known as bellflower or dang shen, codonopsis is native to China. Its taproot is used extensively in traditional Chinese herbalism.

Organic Astragalus Root Extract

Rooted in TCM, this adaptogenic perennial plant is also known as milkvetch root and Huang-qi and is hailed as an overall health supporter.

Organic Reishi Mushroom Extract

Known as the “King of Mushrooms,” the reishi mushroom is an edible type of beneficial fungus cherished for thousands of years. Also known as Ling Zhi in Chinese, TCM utilizes reishi traditionally and generally to support a healthy immune system.

Wild Hake Roe

One of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, fish eggs are high in phospholipids. Fish eggs are an excellent source of protein and essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins. The Omega 3s are often higher in roe than the fish itself. Our wild hake roe is sourced in New Zealand.

What is TCM?

The Traditional Chinese Method (TCM) is a system of wellness that dates back more than 2,000 years and is still practiced today. It works on the belief that Qi (which loosely translates to “vital energy” and is pronounced “chee”) is essential for overall health. TCM principles adhere to the idea that proper Qi is needed to keep all systems in balance. This ties into the concept of yin and yang, defined as opposing but complementary energies. According to TCM, like Qi, yin and yang negatively affect your health when they’re out of balance. That being said, a primary goal of TCM involves balancing their equalizing relationship. One of the ways to do that involves using specific superfoods and herbs. TCM superfoods and superherbs aim to support the overall health of the systems of the body. TCM aims to create balance in the body as a whole to promote wellness and Qi. When the yin and yang aspects of Qi are harmonized and balanced out, a person typically experiences wellbeing.

How is TCM different than Ayurveda?

Both TCM and Ayurveda approach the body in a balancing way. They both address energy flow, circulation and balance in the body. For instance, that energy is referred to as Qi in TCM and prana in Ayurveda.

While there is overlap in some of the botanicals used in both TCM and Ayurveda, each tradition also utilizes specific plants and foods. Ayurveda was born out of India, so it often recommends traditional herbs and foods widely available in that region. TCM often focuses on botanicals and fungi more readily available in China. While TCM may utilize more animal products, Ayurveda does tend to recommend more dairy, like ghee, compared to TCM.

In essence, TCM and Ayurveda are different ways to approach wellness and balance from different regions of the world.

Why do some people supplement with iron?

Overall, iron is a mineral that is an essential component of hemoglobin, but it’s also required for proper growth, development, normal cellular functioning and the synthesis of some hormones and connective tissue.

In short, it performs several important functions in the body, but one of its primary functions is its involvement in the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to tissues. Approximately 70% of iron in the body is found in hemoglobin and myoglobin. To clarify, hemoglobin is the protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues from the lungs. Myoglobin, however, is a protein found in muscles that is used for storage of oxygen.

Likewise, iron is instrumental in metabolism as a part of some proteins and enzymes. It’s generally common knowledge that iron is a significant nutrient for women and can vary in its needed amounts at different stages of her life, including age (such as childbearing age), choice of diet and more.

While adequate iron intake is important for women, it is also necessary for men. Interestingly, iron absorption is generally increased when combined with vitamin C.

Did you know that men and non-menstruating women typically and naturally lose approximately 1 mg of iron each day, while menstruating women can lose from 0.6 to 2.5%more per each day during their menstrual cycle, but can vary, due to the lightness or heaviness of the menstrual period. Pregnancy can put additional iron demands on the body.

Who is this product intended for?

This product is intended for adults looking to supplement with iron and to support cognitive function and blood health while reducing fatigue.*

Can I take this with other supplements?

Yes, you can take it with other supplements. As with any supplements containing iron, please be aware that accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep this product out of reach of children.

Is supplementation really necessary?

For many Americans the diet consumed isn’t nutritionally adequate. In fact, approximately two-thirds of the standard U.S. diet is made up of unhealthy fats and refined sugars with low or no nutrient density — providing calories but not the amounts of vitamins and minerals needed, including vitamins A, B Complex, C, D, E and the minerals calcium, magnesium and zinc. More specifically, typical diets contain less than 80% of the RDA for calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, and manganese—and the people who are most at risk for coming up short on those nutrients are adult women and teenage girls. Here’s the truth: If two-thirds of the standard U.S. diets are coming up short on certain nutrients, then the remaining one-third of the average diet may not be so great, either, and cannot possibly fully meet a person’s nutrient needs. One great way to get more vitamins and minerals into your diet is to include nutrient-dense, real foods. Unlike our Standard American Diet, nutrient-dense foods can deliver a vitamin-packed and mineral-packed wallop. In addition to a nutrient-dense diet, some opt to take a multivitamin to help cover their bases.

Why aren’t your products labeled as being “dairy-free” or “nut free”?

Our products do not contain dairy, grains, nuts or soy; however, they are manufactured in facilities that may carry these allergens. This being said, all of our manufacturing partners are required to have and follow a thorough Allergen Program. The Allergen Program is to prevent the cross contamination of raw materials and processing of finished goods, where allergens may be present. Simply put, when it comes to our products and our suppliers, we follow industry best practices for full transparency and accuracy concerning our products. Therefore, where applicable for our products, we use the wording “made without dairy” and “made without nuts.”