Why Iron Supplements Aren’t the Answer: Understanding the Iron Recycling System and the Role of Copper in Fertility
with guest expert Samantha Chandler of Wellness and Womb
Have you ever been told you’re anemic, low in iron, or need an iron infusion — especially during pregnancy?
In this powerful conversation with Samantha Chandler, founder of Wellness and Womb, we unpack why so many women are stuck in a state of iron dysregulation, not true deficiency. You’ll learn how the iron recycling system, along with copper and retinol, plays a critical role in fertility, hormone health, and pregnancy outcomes — and how common lab work can miss the full picture.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or preparing for a healthy pregnancy, this is a must-read deep dive into how your body truly moves iron — and what you can do to support it holistically.
Mentioned in This Episode:
- Samantha Chandler | Wellness and Womb
- The Root Cause Protocol by Morley Robbins
- Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) with Holistic Conception
- Cod Liver Oil
- Beef Liver
- Weston A. Price Foundation
- Book: Deep Nutrition by Dr. Catherine Shanahan
Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use and trust. Thank you for supporting Holistic Conception!
The Truth About Iron in the Body
In conventional medicine, low ferritin or hemoglobin often leads to immediate iron supplementation or infusions.
But here’s a radical reframe: we’re not lacking iron — the real issue is iron dysregulation.
Our bodies are exposed to iron constantly — through fortified foods, supplements, and environmental sources. In fact, iron fortification began in the 1940s and ramped up in the ’60s when it clearly wasn’t working. Yet iron deficiency anemia remains one of the most diagnosed “deficiencies” today. So what is going on?
The Iron Recycling System: A Game Changer
Let’s zoom out.
Your body only needs to absorb about 1 mg of iron per day. The other 24 mg? It’s recycled internally by a process called the iron recycling system.
This system ensures that iron from old red blood cells is reused effectively — but here’s the catch: it depends on other nutrients, especially copper and vitamin A (retinol, which is sourced from animal foods. Unfortunately, carrots and beta-carotene don’t actually supply the Vitamin A that is needed in the proper form).
Without these other nutrients at play, iron gets stuck. It can’t get where it needs to go, and instead of doing its job, it builds up in tissues — contributing to inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and even fertility struggles.
Why Iron Doesn’t Work Alone: The Role of Copper
Think of copper as the traffic director for iron. It attaches to a protein called ceruloplasmin, made in the liver, which is essential for iron to be transported and used properly.
Here’s a helpful visual:
- Ceruloplasmin is like a baby blue bus.
- Copper is the doorman.
- Retinol (real vitamin A from animal sources) unlocks the doors so iron can board.
- When iron reaches its destination? Copper lets it off the bus.
Without copper and vitamin A, this transportation system grinds to a halt — leaving iron stuck in the tissues (where it causes damage) and absent from the blood (making you look “anemic”).
How This Affects Fertility and Pregnancy
When the iron recycling system breaks down, your body’s ability to feel safe, nourished, and ready for pregnancy takes a hit.
You might experience:
- Chronic fatigue
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Fertility struggles
- Low thyroid function
- Anemia that doesn’t improve with iron supplementation (This is not a recommendation to first try iron supplementation!)
It’s not about taking in more iron. It’s about moving iron.
Copper is essential for fertility. Farmers have known this for ages: when animals can’t conceive, they’re given copper, not iron.
In pregnancy, copper becomes even more critical:
- It helps build your baby’s liver, where they’re born with 10x more copper than you.
- It sets up their immune system for the first two years.
- It supports collagen and elastin — crucial for labor and tissue integrity.
Yet due to soil depletion and processed foods, copper in our diet has dropped by over 75% in the past century.
How to Support Your Iron Recycling System (Holistically)
Ready to ditch the iron pills and actually fix the root issue? Here are foundational steps:
1. Nourish Your Liver
Your liver is where ceruloplasmin (that magical iron-moving protein) is made. It also stores vitamin A and can easily become overloaded with iron.
Support it by:
- Reducing synthetic supplements (including ascorbic acid, which destroys ceruloplasmin)
- Ditching conventional prenatals with added iron (I have a whole list of my top prenatal recommendations in this resource)
- Eating liver-supportive foods like beets, dandelion greens, and bitter herbs
2. Focus on Real Food Vitamin A and Copper
Instead of beta-carotene (which many can’t convert), focus on retinol:
- Beef liver (rich in retinol and copper)
- Cod liver oil (only high-quality brands)
- Egg yolks, butter, and dairy
These whole food sources nourish your mineral system in a way synthetic versions cannot.
3. Reduce Iron Exposure
Skip the fortified cereals and enriched breads. Instead, focus on high-quality protein and mineral-rich produce.
Also, be cautious with iron infusions or supplements, especially if ferritin is “low” — it may reflect inflammation or spleen function, not a true deficiency. Find a trusted practitioner who truly understands the inner workings of iron in the body.
4. Embrace Slowness and Emotional Regulation
Iron and fear are connected — emotionally and biochemically. When we live in a state of constant stress, iron accumulates. Cortisol rises. Inflammation follows.
Slow living, deep breathing, prayer, time outdoors — these aren’t just “nice to haves.” They’re biologically supportive for mineral balance, conception, and beyond.
Why This Matters for Your Baby’s Future
The mineral status of a baby starts in the womb. If mama is depleted — especially of copper — baby will be, too. This impacts:
- Immune function
- Bone development
- Skin, hair, and eye health
- Future fertility
Each pregnancy draws more minerals from the mother. Without replenishment, subsequent children often receive fewer resources.
But the good news? Mineral healing is possible. And if you’re struggling to conceive, it’s a powerful invitation to replenish your body before pregnancy — supporting your future child from day one.
Here is a blog post I have on foods to prioritize for pregnancy prep.
Common Misunderstandings About Iron
Let’s clear up a few myths:
- Myth: A heavy period means you’re low in iron.
Truth: It often means iron is stuck and accumulating. - Myth: Ferritin is the gold standard for iron levels.
Truth: Ferritin can drop due to spleen stress or inflammation — not lack of iron. - Myth: Iron infusions are the only solution.
Truth: They often ignore the root cause and can worsen mineral imbalances.
Gentle Ways to Begin
If you’re wondering how to start supporting your minerals, here’s what I recommend (not medical advice):
- Add beef liver or cod liver oil (from trusted sources)
- Remove ascorbic acid and synthetic vitamin A from supplements
- Eat more mineral-rich animal products like eggs, raw milk, and shellfish
- Reduce EMF exposure and screen time
- Rest, breathe, and trust your body’s design
And most importantly, work with someone who understands the iron recycling system and the iron and copper connection — so you can stop guessing and start nourishing.
Want to Know Where Your Minerals Stand?
I offer HTMA testing inside my 1:1 fertility coaching program, where we use your body’s mineral blueprint to personalize your nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle for hormone and fertility balance.
🌿 Learn more and apply: holisticconception.org/get-pregnant
