From the Guidelines
Iron supplements can improve oxygenation of the blood by increasing the production of red blood cells and haemoglobin, which are essential for carrying oxygen to the tissues 1.
Mechanism of Action
- Iron is a critical component of haemoglobin, and its deficiency can lead to anaemia, a condition characterized by a low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
- The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, in response to low oxygen levels, which can be caused by iron deficiency anaemia.
- Increasing iron intake through supplements can help alleviate anaemia and improve oxygen delivery to the tissues.
Importance of Oxygenation
- Oxygen is essential for the proper functioning of tissues and organs, and hypoxaemia (low PaO2) can lead to impaired mental functioning and organ damage.
- The brain is particularly sensitive to hypoxia, and maintaining a SaO2 above 90% is crucial for preventing tissue hypoxia.
- While oxygen therapy can be effective in treating hypoxaemia caused by V/Q mismatch, it is less effective in conditions such as anaemia, where iron supplements may be more beneficial.
From the Research
Supplements that Improve Oxygenation of the Blood
The following supplements have been studied for their potential to improve oxygenation of the blood:
- Beetroot juice (BRJ) supplementation, which increases nitric oxide bioavailability, has been shown to improve arteriovenous oxygen difference at submaximal intensities 2
- Rhodiola rosea and stabilized oxygen dissolved in water did not have a significant effect on blood oxygenation after 60 minutes of sedentary hypoxic exposure, but may decrease free radical formation after hypoxic exposure compared with the control 3
- Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation improved quadriceps muscle oxygenation, pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics, and exercise tolerance in hypoxia, but not in normoxia or hyperoxia 4
- A combined anthocyanins and bromelain supplement improved endothelial function, skeletal muscle oxygenation status, and oxygen utility capacity in healthy adults 5
- Supplemental CO2 improved oxygen saturation, oxygen tension, and cerebral oxygenation in acutely hypoxic healthy subjects 6
Key Findings
- Beetroot juice supplementation increased arteriovenous oxygen difference at submaximal intensities, but did not improve forearm oxygen delivery or exercise tolerance in healthy men 2
- Rhodiola rosea and stabilized oxygen dissolved in water did not improve blood oxygenation, but may have antioxidant effects 3
- Nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation improved exercise tolerance and peak oxygen uptake in hypoxia, but not in normoxia or hyperoxia 4
- A combined anthocyanins and bromelain supplement improved endothelial function, skeletal muscle oxygenation, and oxygen utility capacity, and may be beneficial for vascular health 5
- Supplemental CO2 improved oxygen saturation, oxygen tension, and cerebral oxygenation in acutely hypoxic subjects, and may be a useful tool for improving oxygenation in hypoxic individuals 6