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Meet FutureCeuticals, Our Boron Producer
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Meet Balchem, our Iron Producer
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Can you tell us a little about the company?
Albion Minerals®, a subsidiary of Balchem, was established in 1956, by Dr. Harvey Ashmead. It started out as a veterinary medicine company. He developed an interest in minerals and through his research developed some unique mineral forms. We took that knowledge to people. From the start, we’ve been an evidence-based company; our products are always backed by third party research and clinical trials. And we hold over 100 patents—from manufacturing processes to food applications.
From Albion’s perspective, why is iron a key ingredient in many supplements?
Iron is a commonly lacking mineral. Pregnant women need to make sure they get the right amount of iron. Young women, too.*
Albion’s created what we think is a game-changing delivery system. Can you tell us about that and why it’s so important?
We actually join iron to glycine, a naturally occurring amino acid creating an amino acid chelate structure. This structure is similar to food sources of minerals and helps make the mineral stable, and bioavailable. A good way to visualize it is like an M&M. The mineral is the chocolate and then we have this outer candy coating of the amino acid glycine that keeps the product intact and “melt” until later in the digestive tract.
Why does it matter where in the digestive tract the iron is absorbed?
It’s common for some iron supplements to get absorbed in the beginning of the digestive tract, but the later segment of gut is where the dipeptides are. Later absorption also helps reduce your chances of getting an upset stomach.*
How is your iron sourced and manufactured?
We make our product in a reaction tank utilizing clean ingredients. We carefully monitor the pH and reaction process, and then the liquid is spray dried. Our product is also kosher, halal, and vegan-friendly. We feel proud to have created something that meets the needs and health concerns consumers have today.*
Albion Minerals® is a registered trademark of Albion Laboratories, Inc
Meet Our Expert
Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, VP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual
Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian. She received her training from Penn State University and University of Connecticut where she researched dietary patterns, chemosensory perception and community nutrition. Her dietetic work is focused on promoting healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into practical information for the public.
LinkedInDr. Mastaneh Sharafi, PhD, RD, VP of Scientific Affairs at Ritual
Dr. Mastaneh Sharafi has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian. She received her training from Penn State University and University of Connecticut where she researched dietary patterns, chemosensory perception and community nutrition. Her dietetic work is focused on promoting healthy eating habits by translating the science of nutrition into practical information for the public.
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This article was written by our content specialist.
Victoria Hoff, Writer
Victoria Hoff is an accomplished writer, journalist, and former wellness editor who has covered a wide variety of health, nutrition, and wellness topics during her tenure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, and after writing for Vogue, Elle, Byrdie, The/Thirty, and more, channeled her editorial skills into a marketing career.
LinkedInVictoria Hoff, Writer
Victoria Hoff is an accomplished writer, journalist, and former wellness editor who has covered a wide variety of health, nutrition, and wellness topics during her tenure. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts from New York University, and after writing for Vogue, Elle, Byrdie, The/Thirty, and more, channeled her editorial skills into a marketing career.
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