Iron is a nutrient that is essential for the delivery of oxygen to every cell in the body.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the body requires significantly more iron to meet the demands for the growth and development of a child.
Iron picks up oxygen from the lungs, loads it onto red blood cells, and transports it to every cell in the body, including the womb. Our cells use this oxygen to make energy, and one of the highest demands for energy is the growth of a baby in utero.

According to Health Canada, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency during pregnancy. About 18% of pregnant women are iron deficient3, and research shows that iron deficiency during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal and infant mortality, premature birth, low birth weight, and impaired cognitive and behavioral development. Health Canada recommends supplementing 16 to 20mg of iron daily during pregnancy to reduce these risks.

There is significant blood loss during childbirth and in the following weeks, resulting in depletion of iron stores in new moms. During breastfeeding, a baby requires high amounts of iron to continue healthy growth and development. Interestingly, breastfed babies tend to receive the same amount of iron from their mom, regardless of mom’s iron level. This means the mom preferentially gives iron to her baby through the breastmilk, depleting her own stores.

Sleeplessness in new parenthood is normal, but iron deficiency is a separate and preventable cause of postpartum fatigue. Fatigue in breastfeeding women is significantly correlated with postpartum depression and early cessation of breastfeeding.

The best way to understand your iron status is by having a blood test to measure something called ferritin, which is our iron storage. Ferritin is not reliable in the first six weeks postpartum, so it should be tested during pregnancy and repeated six to eight weeks postpartum.

The tricky part is that “normal” ferritin is defined as 5-272 ug/L. Since this is a wide range, you can imagine that someone with a ferritin of 7 ug/L would feel very different from someone with a ferritin level of 200 ug/L.Dr. Hilary suggests aiming for ferritin of 70-100 ug/L to support the healthy growth and development of the baby during pregnancy, as well as the mom’s increased iron requirements during breastfeeding.

Some groups of people are likely to have low iron, including:

During pregnancy and breastfeeding
Vegans and vegetarians
Women with heavy periods
People lacking a nutrient-rich diet
Children with behavioral concerns or ADHD
People experiencing fatigue, depression, or brain fog
People taking acid-blocking medications for heartburn
People with digestive conditions such as Celiac disease, colitis, Crohn’s disease, and SIBO
It can be challenging to get enough iron from diet alone, especially given the increased requirements for iron during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Nausea, constipation and food aversions can make it even more challenging to eat a diet high in iron. Health Canada recommends daily iron supplementation of 16-20mg during pregnancy.

Floravit is a liquid iron supplement that is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it promotes the formation of healthy red blood cells. The iron is in a form called ferrous gluconate, which is effectively absorbed, gentle on the stomach, and unlikely to cause digestive upset or constipation.

Floravit provides vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12. These vitamins work synergistically with iron to promote the formation of healthy red blood cells to treat and prevent anaemia during pregnancy and postpartum. In addition, B vitamins are essential for the conversion of oxygen into energy once it has been delivered to our cells.

Floravit contains a combination of nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits, and herbs that have been carefully selected to improve the digestion and absorption of iron. It is free from alcohol, artificial colours and flavours, and is yeast, dairy, and gluten-free, and is vegan-friendly.

Floravit is also suitable for children, adolescents, and non-pregnant individuals who require supplementation to achieve healthy iron levels.

Each 10 ml Contains

Elemental Iron II (Ferrous gluconate) 10mg

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine hydrochloride) 2.5mg

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin 5-phosphate sodium) 4mg

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine hydrochloride) 2mg

Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 7.5 mcg

Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Aqueous extracts of rosehip, chamomile, fennel, spinach; juice concentrates of black grape, pear, black currant, cherry, blackberry, and carrot; rosehip extract, purified water, and ascorbic acid (antioxidant).

Vegan | Gluten-Free | Yeast Free | Dairy-Free | Kosher

Adults & adolescents 14+: 10ml twice daily before meals
Children 10-14yrs: 10ml once daily before a meal
Children 5-9yrs: 5ml once daily before a meal
Children 2-4yrs: 4ml once daily before a meal

Do not use if you are allergic to anethole or plants of the Apiaceae/Carrot family, or if you are sensitive to Matricaria or plants of the Compositae family. Taking a daily multivitamin-mineral supplement along with this product may result in constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting due to the high intake of iron.

Keep out of reach of children.