Absorption vs. Intake: Why Spatone® is the Smarter Iron Supplement

When it comes to iron supplementation, the most important factor isn’t how much iron you consum, it’s how much your body actually absorbs. This concept, known as bioavailability, is crucial to understanding why some iron supplements are far more effective and better tolerated than others.

The iron absorption problem

Traditional iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, fumarate, or gluconate, are commonly prescribed in doses ranging from 45 to 105 mg of elemental iron. Despite these high doses, the actual absorption rate is remarkably low, typically only between 2 and 15 percent. The remainder remains in the digestive tract, where it often causes side effects such as constipation, nausea, bloating and stomach cramps. This excess iron can also lead to oxidative stress in the gut, which adds further discomfort and risk.

These side effects aren’t just a nuisance; they are one of the primary reasons patients stop taking their supplements. In many cases, the very people who need iron the most, such as pregnant women, elderly individuals and those with digestive sensitivities, are the ones who struggle the most to stay consistent with traditional supplements.

The role of hepcidin in iron absorption

Emerging research has shown that iron absorption is not simply a matter of taking higher doses. A liver-derived hormone called hepcidin plays a central role in controlling iron uptake. Hepcidin levels fluctuate based on the body's iron stores, presence of inflammation, and even circadian rhythms. When hepcidin levels are high, as they are after meals, during illness or inflammation, or in people with chronic conditions, the body reduces iron absorption significantly, regardless of how much is consumed.

This means that even high-dose iron tablets can be largely ineffective if taken at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions.

What the studies say about Spatone®

Spatone® offers a natural and clinically supported alternative that aligns more closely with how the body manages iron. Unlike synthetic tablets, Spatone® is a naturally occurring iron-rich water sourced from the mountains of Snowdonia in Wales. Its iron is present in the ferrous (Fe²⁺) form, which is more easily absorbed by the body.

In a clinical study by Worwood et al. (1996), researchers found that Spatone® achieved an absorption rate of up to 40 percent in individuals with low ferritin, a marker of depleted iron stores. The study concluded that Spatone® provides iron in a highly bioavailable form, far superior to many standard supplements.

Further supporting this, Halksworth et al. (2003) evaluated Spatone® in pregnant women with iron deficiency anaemia. The study demonstrated that the iron in Spatone® was effectively absorbed and did not produce the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with ferrous sulfate tablets. The researchers concluded that Spatone® presents a viable and more tolerable alternative for preventing iron deficiency during pregnancy.

In another study by McKenna et al. (2003), patient tolerability and compliance were the focus. It was found that Spatone® caused no reported gastrointestinal side effects and was much better tolerated than conventional supplements. The researchers emphasised that a significant number of patients discontinue traditional iron due to side effects, whereas Spatone® helped improve adherence thanks to its gentle nature.

A U.S.-based absorption study conducted by Nelsons in 2011 also confirmed Spatone®’s effective absorption in both healthy individuals and those with low ferritin levels, reinforcing its efficacy and tolerability across a range of populations.

Why Spatone® offers a better experience

Spatone® contains only 5 mg of elemental iron per sachet, yet thanks to its superior absorption profile, it delivers real results without the discomfort. The iron is delivered in a liquid format, which enhances bioavailability and makes it easy to take on an empty stomach or with vitamin C for even better uptake. Unlike many other products, Spatone® contains no artificial additives, preservatives, or irritants, making it a cleaner and more natural choice.

Spatone® is also well-suited for alternate-day dosing, a strategy shown in recent studies to reduce hepcidin-related absorption blocks while improving iron uptake and minimising side effects.

Reframing how we approach iron supplementation

Rather than focusing solely on dosage, it’s more important to consider the form and bioavailability of the iron, the format it’s delivered in, and the specific needs of the individual. Spatone® stands out not only because it is highly effective, but also because it is gentle and versatile enough to be used by people with dietary restrictions, gastrointestinal conditions, or increased iron needs during life stages such as pregnancy.

To put it in perspective, Spatone® provides up to 40 percent absorption, compared to roughly 25 percent from heme iron in red meat, 2 to 15 percent from ferrous sulfate tablets, and as little as 2 to 10 percent from non-heme plant-based iron sources.

Designed for real-life use

Spatone® is endorsed by the Vegan and Vegetarian Societies and is suitable for adults and children from the age of two. It has been shown to be effective in pregnant women, adolescents, and patients with digestive sensitivities. By delivering iron in a way the body can actually use, without the typical side effects, Spatone® helps people stay consistent with their supplementation, leading to better long-term outcomes.

Final thoughts: A smarter way to supplement

Spatone® represents a more modern, evidence-based approach to iron supplementation. It aligns with our evolving understanding of iron metabolism, emphasises bioavailability over brute dosage, and respects the importance of patient comfort and compliance.

In a world where many iron supplements cause more problems than they solve, Spatone® offers a natural, gentle, and clinically proven solution that makes it easier to get the iron your body needs, without compromise.

Spatone®: Naturally effective. Clinically proven. Better tolerated.