Iron Matrix

Bioavailable Iron + Lactoferrin + Targeted Co-Factors Advanced dual-pathway iron support 30 capsules | Once daily | TGA-listed Not all iron is created equal. Most iron supplements focus on milligrams. Iron Matrix focuses on absorption. Because taking more iron doesn’t help if your body can’t use it properly — and traditional forms like ferrous sulfate are notorious for nausea, constipation and digestive discomfort. Iron Matrix was formulated to work with your body, not against it. 🧬 The Iron Matrix System Iron Matrix combines three essential layers: 1️⃣ Bioavailable Iron Ferrochel® Iron Bisglycinate – 24 mg elemental iron A chelated form designed for: ✔ Superior absorption ✔ Minimal gastrointestinal irritation ✔ Reduced constipation risk This form bypasses the harsh absorption pathway used by traditional iron salts. 2️⃣ Lactoferrin: The Absorption Regulator 200 mg bovine lactoferrin Lactoferrin is a natural iron-binding glycoprotein found in milk that: • Supports iron uptake efficiency • Helps regulate iron transport • Assists digestive tolerance • Supports immune balance Lactoferrin helps: reduce GI irritation improve iron uptake support immune balance modulate inflammation affecting iron absorption Most brands use 20–100 mg — if they use it at all. DualFe™ delivers a full 200 mg, echoing the dose used in pregnancy studies for supporting haemoglobin, ferritin and iron absorption. It’s one of the most expensive nutrients in the world — but we chose the dose that actually matters. Our lactoferrin is sourced from New Zealand dairy streams, where cows are predominantly pasture-raised and grass-fed for most of the year. New Zealand is globally recognised for: • Grass-based outdoor farming systems • Strong animal welfare standards • Clean agricultural practices • Strict export regulations Ingredient quality begins at the source. 3️⃣ Targeted Co-Factors for Iron Utilisation Iron doesn’t work in isolation. Iron Matrix includes carefully selected nutrients that support: • Iron absorption • Iron transport • Red blood cell formation • Methylation pathways • Oxidative balance Included co-factors: • Vitamin C + Wholefood Acerola Cherry • Copper bisglycinate • Quatrefolic® methylfolate • Methylcobalamin (B12) • Riboflavin-5’-phosphate (B2) • Pyridoxal-5’-phosphate (B6) • Beta-carotene from Dunaliella salina Every inclusion has a functional role. 🧠 Why “Matrix”? Because effective iron support requires coordination. Iron Matrix supports: ✔ Absorption ✔ Transport ✔ Utilisation ✔ Red blood cell production ✔ Immune resilience It’s not a single ingredient. It’s a system. 💜 Who It’s Designed For Iron Matrix may be suitable for: • Women with low ferritin • Iron deficiency • Pregnancy (2nd + 3rd trimester) • Postpartum recovery • Heavy menstrual cycles • Fatigue • Women who struggle with standard iron tablets Designed to complement a prenatal — not compete with it. Feature Iron Matrix Typical Iron Supplement Iron form Ferrochel® bisglycinate Sulfate / fumarate Absorption support 200 mg lactoferrin None Co-factors Active, targeted forms Minimal or synthetic Digestive comfort Designed for tolerance Common GI upset Sourcing transparency NZ grass-based lactoferrin Often undisclosed 🔬 Synergistic Nutrient Support We didn’t stop at iron + lactoferrin. Iron Matrix is rounded out with a carefully selected team of cofactors: Vitamin C) – optimises iron absorption without harsh acidity Copper (1 mg) – essential for healthy iron metabolism and balance with zinc Quatrefolic® (250 mcg methylfolate) – active folate for red blood cell production Mecobalamin (100 mcg B12) – works hand in hand with folate for energy and DNA synthesis Dunaliella salina (β-carotene, ~500 mcg RE) – a safe, natural vitamin A precursor supporting iron metabolism Riboflavin-5’-phosphate (10 mg B2) – crucial cofactor in haemoglobin and folate/B12 synergy Why It’s Different Dual Pathways → Iron bisglycinate + lactoferrin work together for absorption that’s effective yet gentle. Wholefood + Clinical → Ascorbic Acid pairs with Acerola Cherry for dual-source vitamin C. Pregnancy & Postpartum Friendly → Safe doses of folate, B12, copper and vitamin A (as beta-carotene). Premium Sourcing → Grass-fed lactoferrin, patented Ferrochel®, wholefood Acerola, and trademarked nutrient forms. Designed for Tolerability → Formulated to reduce the risk of nausea, constipation, and GI upset. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Why does Iron Matrix contain 24 mg of iron when some products have 24 mg or more? A: It’s not about chasing milligrams — it’s about how well your body can absorb and use the iron. DualFe™ combines 24 mg of Albion® Ferrochel® iron with 200 mg of lactoferrin, giving you two absorption pathways instead of one. Research shows this approach can raise ferritin levels just as effectively as much higher doses of traditional iron salts — but without the side effects. Q: I’m already taking a prenatal vitamin, is it safe to take Iron Matrix as well? A: Yes. Iron Matrix was designed to complement a prenatal, not clash with it. We’ve kept folate and B12 in gentle, supportive amounts, so you won’t be overdoing it. Think of Iron Matrix as a targeted boost to help restore and maintain healthy iron and ferritin levels alongside your daily prenatal. Q: Why is lactoferrin included? I’ve never heard of it before. A: Lactoferrin is a natural milk protein found in colostrum - the first milk produced after birth. It’s been studied for its ability to regulate iron absorption, support ferritin levels, and keep iron gentle on the stomach. We include it because it makes your iron work smarter, not harder. Q: Is Iron Matrix suitable if I’m dairy-free? A: Our lactoferrin is a purified protein isolated from grass-fed cow’s milk. While it contains only very small amounts of lactose and galactose, it is milk-derived and therefore not suitable for those with a true dairy allergy. However, most people with lactose intolerance or mild dairy sensitivities tolerate it well. It’s not vegan-friendly, but it is one of the most effective and well-tolerated ways to support iron absorption. Q: Will the copper make me feel sick? A: We’ve included just 1 mg of copper bisglycinate enough to support iron metabolism and balance zinc, but at a level that avoids the nausea sometimes linked to higher copper doses. Taking Iron Matrix with food further improves tolerance. Q: Why is Iron Matrix more expensive than some other iron supplements? A: Most iron supplements use cheap salts like ferrous sulfate, which can cause constipation and nausea, and are poorly absorbed. Iron Matrix is different, we use Ferrochel® iron bisglycinate, Acerola Cherry, Quatrefolic® folate, and grass-fed lactoferrin, all premium, research-backed ingredients. They’re more costly to source, but they deliver a product that’s gentle, effective, and truly supportive for pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. peal. ✅ Final Formula (DualFe™) Ingredient Form / Supplier Dose (per daily serve) Purpose Iron Ferrochel® (iron bisglycinate, Albion) 24 mg elemental Gentle, highly bioavailable iron Lactoferrin Grass-fed bovine Fonterra) 250 mg Enhances iron absorption, supports immune & gut health Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid 150 mg Supports absorption, gentle/buffered Acerola Cherry 50 mg (~5–8 mg C) Natural antioxidant & polyphenols Copper Copper bisglycinate (Albion®) 1 mg Supports iron transport & balance Methylfolate (B9) Quatrefolic® 300 mcg RBC support, methylation, pregnancy-safe Vitamin B12 Mecobalamin 100 mcg Complements folate, prevents deficiency Vitamin A Dunaliella salina (natural β-carotene) ~500 mcg RE Antioxidant & iron metabolism support Vitamin B2 Riboflavin-5’-phosphate 5 mg Supports haemoglobin synthesis, folate/B12 synergy 📚 Backed by Research Clinical studies show lactoferrin is as effective or more effective than traditional iron supplements in raising hemoglobin/ferritin, especially in pregnant women, with fewer digestive side effects. Iron bisglycinate is one of the most studied and best tolerated iron forms for deficiency. 💜 Who It’s For Women with diagnosed or suspected iron deficiency. Those experiencing fatigue, heavy periods, or low ferritin. Pregnancy & postpartum (safe alongside a prenatal). Athletes or high-demand lifestyles needing extra iron support. 🔎 Mechanisms of Iron Absorption 1. Iron Bisglycinate (Ferrochel®) Chelated iron = iron bound to 2 glycine molecules. Absorbed intact as a dipeptide through PEPT1 transporters in the small intestine. Bypasses the usual DMT1 (divalent metal transporter-1), which other inorganic iron salts (sulfate, fumarate) rely on. This is why it’s more bioavailable and gentler on the gut — less free iron floating around to irritate. 2. Lactoferrin An iron-binding glycoprotein naturally present in human and bovine milk. Functions differently: Binds iron tightly → reduces free radical damage & gut irritation. Shuttles iron via lactoferrin receptors in the intestinal epithelium → a separate absorption pathway. Modulates hepcidin (the hormone that blocks iron absorption when levels are high) → improving iron uptake efficiency. Anti-inflammatory / prebiotic effects → better gut environment for absorption. aro Every ingredient has a purpose. No fillers, no shortcuts, no guesswork. 🧪 What makes DualFe™ different? 2. Gentle, bioavailable Iron Bisglycinate (Ferrochel®) Not all iron is created equal. Iron bisglycinate is: highly absorbable gentle on digestion non-constipating non-metallic in taste pregnancy-preferred It’s the gold standard for women who can’t tolerate traditional iron. 3. Acerola + Dunaliella for natural vitamin C + carotenoids Instead of synthetic ascorbic acid, we use water-extracted acerola to support absorption in a gentler, food-based way — plus Dunaliella salina, a natural beta-carotene source. These support: antioxidant protection healthy cell development iron utilisation 4. Methylated B’s for energy + red blood cell formation With: Methylcobalamin (B12) Quatrefolic® Methylfolate (5-MTHF) These support: energy production healthy red blood cells iron utilisation pathways methylation support during pregnancy 5. Clean, gentle, pregnancy-friendly capsules We use Vcaps® Plus Purple (natural purple carrot) capsules — vegan, TGA-compliant, and chosen for their light-protective and odour-masking properties. No gelatin No titanium dioxide No artificial colours No unnecessary fillers 💬 Who is DualFe™ for? You're a perfect match if you: ✔ struggle with nausea or constipation from other irons ✔ have low ferritin or fatigue ✔ need gentle iron support in pregnancy ✔ want a premium formula that actually feels good to take ✔ want to avoid the need for IV iron (where possible) ✔ want iron support that’s backed by evidence, not hype 📈 Why 200 mg Lactoferrin? Because that’s the dose used in research. DualFe™ includes the same daily amount used in clinical trials studying lactoferrin’s effects on: haemoglobin ferritin inflammation iron absorption pregnancy-induced anaemia Many brands under-dose it because lactoferrin is expensive. We didn’t. You deserve a formula that actually works. 🏆 The DualFe™ Standard Feature DualFe™ Most Iron Supplements Iron form Ferrochel® Bisglycinate Sulfate / Oxide Side effects Minimal High Lactoferrin dose 200 mg 0–100 mg Vitamin C source Acerola (natural) Synthetic B vitamins Methylated Cheap/prenatal blends Capsule Purple carrot HPMC Gelatin / clear HPMC Pregnancy-friendly ✔ Yes ✖ Often no 📦 How to take it Take 1 capsule daily, with or without food. (If you’re sensitive, take with a small snack.) Safe to use alongside: The Prenatal Myo-Inositol Pure Mag Collagen Ovulation + TTC supplements ❓ Common Questions Will this constipate me? Highly unlikely — iron bisglycinate is known for its gentle profile, and lactoferrin further reduces digestive irritation. Can I take it with my Prenatal? Yes — DualFe™ is designed to pair perfectly with Maternally Happy’s Prenatal for full-spectrum support. Is the lactoferrin dairy-free? It’s derived from milk protein (bovine) but contains no lactose. Is it safe in pregnancy? Yes — DualFe™ uses pregnancy-preferred iron forms and doses similar to those used in clinical antenatal studies. Why is this more expensive than other iron supplements? Because it uses premium, clinically aligned ingredients like Ferrochel® and 200 mg lactoferrin, made in a TGA-licensed facility with full batch testing. Most cheaper irons rely on oxide or sulfate — and you can feel the difference. 📚 Studies & Evidence Behind DualFe™ (Iron + Lactoferrin 200 mg) (Summarised in simple, supportive language — no claims outside TGA guidance) DualFe™ is formulated using the same lactoferrin dose that has been used in several clinical studies exploring iron levels, haemoglobin, ferritin, and tolerability — especially in pregnancy. Below are key peer-reviewed studies using ~200 mg/day of bovine lactoferrin. 1. Lactoferrin vs Ferrous Sulfate in Pregnancy Anemia Nappi et al., 2009 — Randomised Double-Blind Trial Women received either: 100 mg lactoferrin twice daily (≈ 200 mg/day) or Traditional ferrous sulfate (520 mg) Findings: Both groups improved haemoglobin and ferritin Lactoferrin group had significantly fewer side effects (constipation, nausea, abdominal pain) Better overall tolerability This is one of the most commonly cited clinical protocols → 100 mg twice daily. 2. Lactoferrin Once Daily in Pregnancy (200 mg/day) Bayoumy et al., 2021 — Randomised Clinical Trial This study gave pregnant women with iron-deficiency anemia 200 mg lactoferrin once daily vs standard ferrous sulfate. Findings: Lactoferrin group showed better compliance Fewer digestive side effects Greater improvement in haemoglobin after 4 weeks compared to ferrous sulfate Higher patient satisfaction This is important because it shows 200 mg in one daily dose is effective and well-tolerated. 3. Lactoferrin for Anemia of Inflammation (Including Pregnancy) Paesano et al., 2010 — Controlled Clinical Study Participants (pregnant and non-pregnant) took 100 mg lactoferrin twice daily. Findings: Improvements in haemoglobin and ferritin Reduction in inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and hepcidin Suggests lactoferrin supports iron utilisation pathways, not just intake This offers a mechanistic explanation for why lactoferrin can work even when ferritin is “normal” but iron is still low. 4. Lactoferrin as an Alternative to Iron Salts – Meta-Analysis Christofi et al., 2024 — Meta-Analysis (19 Trials) Doses in included trials ranged 100–250 mg/day, most commonly around 200 mg/day. Findings: Lactoferrin was as effective or more effective than traditional iron tablets for improving haemoglobin Markedly fewer GI side effects More consistent adherence This meta-analysis supports your chosen dose range across multiple populations. 5. Anti-Inflammatory & Iron-Regulation Effects Lepanto et al., 2018 — Lactoferrin & Iron Homeostasis Participants took ~200 mg/day in split doses. Findings: Lactoferrin influenced hepcidin, the hormone controlling iron absorption Reduction in IL-6 Improved iron export and utilisation This is especially useful during pregnancy, when inflammation can impair iron absorption even if you’re taking iron.