The provided source material offers limited information regarding free sample programmes for Active Iron supplements, with most details focused on the product's formulation, absorption claims, and specific consumer recommendations. The primary source for sample requests appears to be a dedicated page for healthcare professionals, while consumer-facing free samples are not explicitly detailed in the available data. This article synthesises the verified information from the provided sources, focusing on the product's claims, eligibility for use, and the process for healthcare professionals to request samples.
Product Overview and Claims
Active Iron is a brand of iron supplements that positions itself as a solution for individuals who experience gastrointestinal side effects from traditional iron supplements. The core technology described is a whey protein formula designed to deliver iron directly to the DMT-1 site in the gut, which is claimed to reduce oxidation and improve absorption. According to the source material, this formulation is purported to be "2X better absorbed" compared to other iron supplements and to be gentle on the stomach.
The brand offers several product variants: * Active Iron 25mg: Contains 25mg of elemental iron and is described as clinically proven to double iron levels and restore energy. It is stated to be suitable for people with iron deficiency or an intolerance of oral iron, women with periods (including perimenopausal), those on restricted diets, and pregnant and postpartum women. * Active Iron Women: Formulated to support iron levels and women’s nutritional needs. * Active Iron Prenatal: Contains non-constipating Active Iron plus a time-release multivitamin. The source notes that a previous version, "Active Iron Pregnancy Plus," has been discontinued and replaced by "Active Iron Pregnancy," which contains 20 active ingredients in two components: an iron capsule and a specialised multivitamin. This new formulation includes folic acid as L-methylfolate, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, iodine, and high-dose B vitamins. * Active Folic: Provides folate in its natural form (Quatrefolic, a source of L-methyl folate).
Claims regarding efficacy include: * An up to 94% increase in iron levels. * High absorption compared to other iron supplements. * 4X better compliance due to reduced side effects.
The source material references clinical data from a 2017 study published in Acta Haematological (138: 223-232) and data on file from Ledwidge et al. to support these claims.
Eligibility and Recommendations for Use
The source material provides specific guidance on who should consider using Active Iron and the associated safety considerations.
Target Audience: Active Iron is recommended for individuals at risk of developing low iron levels or those who already have low iron levels. This includes: * People with regular periods (including perimenopausal women). * Pregnant individuals. * Vegetarians. * Heavy exercisers.
Dosage and Safety: * Active Iron is described as a low-dose product, with doses ranging from 14mg to 25mg of elemental iron. * The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) sets the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iron at 14mg, which is considered safe for the average person. * A tolerable upper limit of 45mg for iron has been recommended, based on tolerability. * The source clarifies that Active Iron is a food supplement, not a medicine. Its products contain 100-179% of the RDA for iron. In contrast, prescription iron may contain 100mg of elemental iron, which is noted to be poorly absorbed (typically around 10%) and more likely to cause gastrointestinal side effects in 8 out of 10 people. * The source explicitly addresses the question of whether iron supplements can be taken without seeing a doctor. It states that Active Iron is recommended only for those at risk or with low levels, implying a consultation or prior diagnosis is advisable.
Comparison to Other Iron Forms: * Liquid Iron: Often contains a much lower dose of iron (e.g., 5mg per serving) and may not provide sufficient iron to increase levels, though it avoids common side effects. * Prescribed Iron: Contains a higher dose (e.g., 100mg) but is poorly absorbed due to oxidation in the gut, leading to side effects.
Sample Request Process for Healthcare Professionals
The only explicit information regarding free samples in the provided data is directed at healthcare professionals. One source states: "Free ProFe iron supplement samples are often provided to healthcare professionals to initiate patient care. Please submit a Sample Request through our website and we will be in touch shortly."
This indicates a sample programme exists for medical practitioners, likely for distribution to patients. The process involves: 1. Navigating to the relevant section of the brand's website (specifically for healthcare professionals). 2. Submitting a Sample Request form. 3. Awaiting contact from the company.
The source also notes a technical issue: "If the Sample Form does not appear on your screen, please try using another web browser." This suggests the sample request functionality is web-based.
Consumer Promotions and Purchasing
While the primary focus of the sources is on product information and a healthcare professional sample programme, there is mention of consumer purchasing incentives. One source provides a coupon promotion: "Save $5 when you buy 2 bottles! Enter Coupon Code SAVE5" and "Save $10 when you buy 3+ bottles! Enter Coupon Code SAVE10." It also notes "Free shipping in the U.S." for these offers.
There is no information in the provided sources about free samples for general consumers, trial sizes, or mail-in sample programmes available to the public in the UK or elsewhere. The sources do not contain details about sign-up forms, eligibility criteria, or geographic restrictions for consumer samples.
Conclusion
The available source material provides comprehensive details about the Active Iron supplement range, its claimed mechanisms of action, target audience, and safety profile. It confirms the existence of a free sample programme for healthcare professionals, which requires submission of a request form via the brand's website. However, the data does not support the existence of a public-facing free sample, no-cost trial, or mail-in programme for general consumers. The information is limited to product specifications, clinical claims, and professional sampling, with purchasing incentives available through coupon codes for direct purchases.