As you saw in the first post about the new women's multivitamin, the 3 added or increased nutrients are:  Folate (B9), Iron and Iodine. This makes the Vita-Lea Iron Formula great for women who are pregnant or who hope to have a child.  We looked at Folate (B9) in the first post earlier this week.

How about the rest of younger women?  Right on the label, Vita-Lea Iron Formula says that it's "The Perfect Multivitamin."  It's a "high-potency formulation designed to promote heart health, bone health, immune health and physical energy."

Iron is involved in many important biological functions.  Researchers in endocrinology and cell metabolism have tied iron deficiency to poor neurodevelopment in offspring.  Iron is a key enzyme in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.  It was found in a European study that "35% of women suffer from iron deficiency."  It's not quite as bad here, but still a big problem.  Certain women are at highest risk:  1) those who menstruate with a heavy flow,  2) those who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding or pregnant.

Shaklee has determined that 18 mg. of Iron is perfect for a fertile female or one who is pregnant.  That amount of Iron is in Vitalizer for Women (#20283) as well as Vita-Lea with Iron (#20289).  Fertile or pregnant women with signs of Iron deficiency anemia should be tested for serum ferritin levels.  Those signs may be:  dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue, noticeable paleness in the skin, gums, nail beds.

Some prenatal supplements recommend 27 to 32 mg of Iron.  If, based on blood testing, you need more than the 18 mg., pick up a bottle of Shaklee's inexpensive Iron Plus C Complex (#20491). Split a tablet in half and take that at a separate meal.  Spreading the iron out between 2 meals greatly reduces the problem of stomach upset.  The number one issue with commercial prenatal vitamins is stomach upset.  Fortunately, Shaklee's supplements are easy on the stomach, well-absorbed and easy to swallow.

Interestingly, Shaklee was "the first manufacturer to add Vitamin C to all of their iron-containing supplements, thus dramatically improving absorption within the intestine."  Today almost all iron supplement manufacturers follow Shaklee's lead in adding Vitamin C to iron-containing vitamins.

We'll look at Iodine in Vitalizer and Vita-Lea for Women next time - post 3.