Iron: Your Weight Loss Friend

What if you found out about a calorie-free nutrient that could give you more energy, help you lose weight, and even boost your immune system? What if you could get that nutrient from a simple pill or daily supplement? We’re not talking about a gimmick here! We’re talking about the mineral iron.

If you’re a weight loss surgery patient or someone who is seriously dedicated to losing weight, there’s a good chance that you’re low in iron. If you are, taking supplements can get your levels back to normal and boost your energy and metabolism so you lose more weight.

Why Is Iron Important?

Iron is a part of hemoglobin, which is in your red blood cells. The reason you need iron is because it carries oxygen. As your red blood cells circulate through your body, iron in hemoglobin delivers oxygen to your cells.

Iron is a mineral that you need to get from your diet or supplements. If you don’t have enough iron in your body, you can get anemia and feel tired and weak. Your metabolism slows down, so weight loss is harder, and you may get more infections.

Iron from Your Diet

Iron is in meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs. You can also get iron from some plant-based foods, such as beans, nuts, and leafy greens. The trouble is that your body isn’t as good at absorbing this iron. That’s why your risk for anemia goes up if you cut back on meat.

You can get iron from fortified sources, such as meal replacement shakes and smoothies. Protein bars often have iron in them. For more easy iron sources, check out our collection of BariatricPal Protein Cereal and delicious shelf-stable entrees such as BariatricPal Turkey Chili with Beans.

Who’s at Risk for Iron Deficiency?

Well…it may be you! You’re at risk for iron deficiency if you’re cutting back on the amount of food you eat. Does that sound familiar? Of course it does, whether you’re a weight loss surgery patient or you’re losing weight without surgery. You’re also at risk for iron deficiency if you have the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass and you’re not absorbing all of the nutrients from your food.

And women: here’s the bad news. You’re at especially high risk for iron deficiency before menopause. That’s because iron is in your blood, and you lose a significant amount of blood – and iron – each month through menstruation.

Iron Supplements in All Forms from The BariatricPal Store

If your doctor suggests it, you can try an iron supplement to bump up your levels. You can go for a pill or capsule form, but opt for a liquid form if you’re on a pre-op or post-op liquid diet or you don’t like swallowing vitamins. We also have chewables in flavors such as grape and sugar-free chocolate raspberry.

Always ask your doctor before you take any vitamins. You can check your iron levels with simple blood tests that your doctor can order. If you’re low in iron, you can look forward to serious perks once you get your levels back to normal.

From now through May 1, enter coupon code BPiron15 to get 15% off iron supplements at The BariatricPal Store!