Foundations of Blood, Energy & Resilience

Why Blood Health Matters (Body + Mind)

Blood health is foundational to human resilience. Red blood cells transport oxygen, support cellular energy production, and play a central role in cognitive performance, mood regulation, and immune function.

Iron is a critical micronutrient within this system. It is required for:

• Haemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport

• Mitochondrial energy production

• Neurotransmitter synthesis (including dopamine and serotonin pathways)

• Cognitive performance, attention, and mental clarity

Iron deficiency, even without anaemia, has been associated in the literature with fatigue, reduced concentration, exercise intolerance, and mood disturbance. These effects are amplified in individuals with chronic inflammation, gastrointestinal disease, or a history of malabsorption.

Heme vs Non-Heme Iron — What’s the Difference?

Dietary iron exists in two forms:

Heme iron

• Found in animal tissues and blood

• Absorbed via dedicated intestinal transport mechanisms

• Less affected by dietary inhibitors (phytates, oxalates)

Non-heme iron

• Found in plant foods and many pharmaceutical supplements

• Absorption is highly variable

• Strongly influenced by gut pH, inflammation, and competing compounds

Peer-reviewed research consistently demonstrates that heme iron is more efficiently absorbed than non-heme iron, particularly in individuals with compromised digestion or increased iron requirements.

Whole-Food Nutrition & Tolerability

Whole-food iron sources contain iron within its natural biological matrix, alongside proteins, peptides, and trace cofactors. This differs from isolated iron salts, which may contribute to gastrointestinal irritation in some individuals.

Emerging nutritional science suggests that nutrient synergy and food-based matrices may support tolerability and physiological utilisation, especially in sensitive digestive systems.