Many of us consult Dr. Google when wanting a solution to constant tiredness, with the search term ‘fatigue’ currently delivering millions of results. It’s also reported that over a million Australians visit their doctor each year looking for ways to get their daily spark back.

So, why are so many of us feeling sluggish? Are dietary vitamins and minerals connected to our daily energy levels, and how exactly can beef organs help? Before we share our findings, let’s quickly touch on two physiological processes that are pivotal to experiencing optimal, all-day energy.

1. ATP (Cellular Energy) In humans, the foods we eat provide the fuel required to perform our daily physical and mental activities. This food is broken down into sugars, fatty acids, and amino acids that ultimately end up in our mitochondria (the batteries of our cells). Here, they produce chemical energy called ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is effectively a shuttle, delivering energy to places within the cell where energy-consuming activities are taking place. Note: Extensive research indicates a long-known involvement of dietary vitamins and minerals in normal cellular energy production (ATP), the lack of which directly translates into perceived physical and mental tiredness.

2. Oxygen Transport While ATP's role in energy production is pivotal, other functions fulfilled by micronutrients are just as critical. Besides ATP, your muscles and brain also need oxygen. This is delivered by hemoglobin (a protein in your red blood cells). For this process to work properly, your body needs to form healthy red blood cells in the first place—and this is where nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and several B vitamins are critical. When our diets fall short of these micronutrients, normal oxygen transport can be impaired, leading directly to feelings of exhaustion and weakness.

So, What Does This Mean?

It's now clear that a specific synergy of vitamins and minerals plays a critical role in supporting healthy red blood cells for oxygen transport, while simultaneously supporting ATP production.

It's important to note that feeling constantly fatigued is often about much more than just falling short of your daily iron needs. The key nutrients that are central to supporting the two energy systems above include:

• Vitamin B12
• Folate (Vitamin B9)
• Vitamin A (Retinol)
• Heme Iron
• Copper

Effective nutritional support should carefully consider the chemical form of these vitamins and minerals—that is, natural wholefoods versus synthetics—which can heavily impact their bioavailability and how well your body utilizes them.

Could This Be Why Your Iron Supplement Is Falling Short?

As you can see, simply taking a standard iron supplement is often only one piece of the puzzle. Without adequate intakes of the synergistic vitamins and minerals outlined above, your body’s energy production processes may still be compromised.

How Can Beef Liver & Organs Support Energy Production?

Many people assume that beef organs are simply a good source of iron. But given what we now know about the complex processes involved in energy production, the picture is much broader.

Beef liver and organs are incredibly rich in vitamin A, B-vitamins, bioavailable heme iron, and copper. These are the exact building blocks required to assist healthy iron metabolism and support normal oxygen transport and energy production. Because they come packed exactly as nature intended in a wholefood, animal-based source, they are highly bioavailable and easily recognized by the body.

Want More Energy, But Don't Like Eating Beef Organs?

Adding beef liver and organ meats into your diet makes a lot of nutritional sense. But if you’re still not comfortable with the idea of buying, preparing, and tasting organ meats, you're not alone. Fortunately, there is an easy solution.

Our Primal Energy beef liver and beef organ supplements deliver these highly bioavailable nutrients in easy-to-take, flavourless capsules. They are freeze-dried to gently preserve their natural fat-soluble nutrient content (including vitamin A) without the need for synthetic additives. Sourced from pristine Tasmanian pastures, our organs come from 100% grass-fed and grass-finished cattle that are completely free from hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs.

Beef organs, particularly the kidney, have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their incredible nutrient density. Many people are turning to these traditional wholefoods to support their daily energy and overall wellbeing. One specific area where beef kidney truly shines is in providing nutritional support for normal thyroid function.

The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism and energy production. When our diets lack essential trace minerals, we can experience feelings of sluggishness and fatigue.

Research shows that consuming beef kidney provides a highly bioavailable matrix of nutrients. In this article, we will explore 5 key nutrients found in beef kidneys and how they support your thyroid, energy, and overall health.

1. Selenium (The Thyroid Star) Selenium is a powerful trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your body. It contributes directly to normal, healthy thyroid function and normal thyroid hormone production. It also provides antioxidant properties, which help protect your body's cells from oxidative stress. Because beef kidneys are one of nature's most concentrated sources of selenium, they are an excellent choice for supporting daily thyroid health.

2. Iodine Another crucial nutrient for the thyroid is iodine. Iodine is a mineral that is absolutely essential for the normal production of thyroid hormones and overall thyroid function. Incorporating natural sources of iodine into your diet, alongside foods like beef kidney, seaweed, and fish, can help ensure you meet your daily requirements.

3. Vitamin B12 While selenium supports the thyroid, Vitamin B12 is essential for your nervous system. Found abundantly in beef kidney, Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation and plays a major role in natural energy metabolism, helping you fight off daily tiredness and fatigue.

4. Zinc Zinc is a vital mineral that is essential for normal macronutrient metabolism and cellular health. Consuming foods that provide zinc, such as beef organs and seafood, helps maintain the normal function of a healthy immune system and supports overall daily vitality.

5. Iron Iron is a mineral that is essential for the normal production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body. When paired with the thyroid-supporting benefits of selenium, the highly bioavailable heme iron found in beef kidney ensures your body has the nutritional support it needs for optimal oxygen delivery and sustained daily energy.

Our skin is our largest organ and has one of the highest demands for nutrients. A clear, radiant complexion is heavily dependent on the quality of the nutrients contained in the foods we eat.

Researchers have noted deep connections between the skin, digestive system, and the brain, terming this the 'gut-brain-skin axis.' More recent research has validated strong associations between our skin's appearance and our overall gut health.

If you want to take steps to support a clear complexion or just want healthier-looking skin, your diet is the perfect starting point to support the gut-skin axis. In this article, we'll examine the key skin-specific nutrients found in organ meats and outline how they can help us achieve healthy, glowing skin...

1. Vitamin A (Retinol) Beef liver contains high levels of pre-formed vitamin A (also known as retinol) and is one of the most well-recognised and easily absorbed nutrients for maintaining healthy skin.

Foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins contain a 'precursor' form of vitamin A (called beta-carotene), which must be converted by the body into usable vitamin A. Some studies estimate that beta-carotene from plants has a conversion rate of as little as 3%. The best food sources of highly bioavailable retinol are:

• Beef Liver and Kidney
• Egg yolks
• Cod liver oil
• Grass-fed dairy

Skin Benefits: Eating foods that provide vitamin A in the pre-formed version (retinol) contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin and mucous membranes. It promotes natural skin nourishment from the inside out, helping to support a clear, vibrant complexion.

2. Zinc Zinc is a vital mineral that your body needs to support cellular health. This essential trace mineral supports healthy skin and helps protect our cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage.

Zinc can be found in a variety of foods, but is often best absorbed from animal products, including:

• Beef liver and kidney
• Red meat (beef & lamb)
• Oysters and shellfish

(Note: Plant-based sources of zinc like nuts, seeds, and beans are bound to phytates, which can decrease their absorption in the body).

Skin Benefits: Zinc provides excellent nutritional support for maintaining normal, healthy skin and supporting your body's natural cellular renewal processes.

3. Biotin Biotin (or vitamin B7) is another well-known nutrient for healthy skin. This water-soluble B-vitamin helps regulate normal macronutrient metabolism, which is a critical foundation for skin health.

When our diets fall short of essential B-vitamins, it can often manifest in our appearance first, leading to dull or dry-looking skin and hair. The best food sources of naturally occurring biotin are:

• Egg yolks
• Beef liver
• Almonds & walnuts

Skin Benefits: Biotin provides nutritional support to help maintain healthy skin and hair, making it a versatile addition to your inside-out skincare routine.

Iron is probably the most common word used in the emails we receive. There's a lot of confusion in terms of wanting to access the most effective, absorbable form that doesn't come with a range of side effects, hence this article...

Iron stands as one of the fundamental nutrients vital for various bodily functions, such as normal oxygen transport, energy production, and immune system function. Its importance in maintaining overall health cannot be overstated. When discussing iron, two primary forms come into focus: heme iron and synthetic iron. Understanding their differences in bioavailability, potential side effects, and best sources is crucial for making informed dietary choices.

Heme Iron vs. Synthetic Iron: Unraveling the Distinctions

Bioavailability Heme iron and synthetic iron exhibit differences in how effectively the body absorbs and utilises them. Heme iron, predominantly found in animal-based foods, boasts higher bioavailability compared to synthetic iron. Bioavailability refers to the amount of a nutrient that the body can absorb and use effectively.

The unique structure of heme iron found in hemoglobin and myoglobin in animal tissues allows for efficient absorption in the intestines. This characteristic absorption mechanism enables the body to utilise a more substantial portion of heme iron consumed compared to its synthetic counterpart.

Conversely, synthetic iron, often in the form of supplements or fortified foods, contains non-heme iron. This form of iron doesn't absorb as efficiently as heme iron. Factors such as the presence of inhibitors in certain foods and lower absorption rates contribute to the decreased bioavailability of synthetic iron.

Side Effects Synthetic iron supplements can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea and abdominal pain. One of the most common side effects of synthetic iron is constipation. Iron supplements can slow down bowel movements and cause stools to become hard and difficult to pass.

The form in which synthetic iron is presented in supplements can be harsh on the digestive system. Some forms of iron, such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate, can irritate the stomach lining, causing discomfort, nausea, or severe stomach irritation.

Heme iron, found in animal-based foods, has fewer side effects due to better absorption and its natural form, minimising gastrointestinal issues.

Optimal Sources of Heme Iron When it comes to obtaining iron from dietary sources, heme iron predominantly comes from animal-derived foods, such as red meat, poultry, and fish. Beef, in particular, stands out as a significant source of heme iron, with the lesser-known beef spleen containing exceptionally high iron content.

Best Food Sources of Heme Iron

• Red Meat: Beef, lamb, and pork contain substantial amounts of heme iron. These cuts of meats provide a nutrient-dense source of iron.
• Poultry: Chicken and turkey serve as good sources of heme iron.
• Fish: Certain types of fish, such as salmon and tuna, offer heme iron along with popular omega-3 fatty acids.
• Beef Spleen: While less commonly consumed, the beef spleen presents the richest source of heme iron in the beef organs space.

Conclusion Heme iron and synthetic iron differ significantly in their bioavailability, potential side effects, and dietary sources. While heme iron, predominantly found in animal-based foods, boasts higher bioavailability, synthetic iron, often in supplements or fortified foods, offers an alternative for individuals with specific dietary needs.

Understanding these differences enables individuals to make informed choices about their iron intake. Incorporating a balanced diet with various heme iron sources, including the often-overlooked beef spleen, can contribute significantly to meeting daily iron requirements without solely relying on synthetic supplements.