Alexandra Dellhage: “What If the real question Isn't what we take, but what we absorb?”
After struggling with iron deficiency and the limitations of conventional supplements, Alexandra Dellhage founded Akka with a simple yet powerful conviction: nutrients only matter if the body can truly recognize and use them.
Inspired by Sámi traditions, Arctic nature and the science of bioavailability, Alexandra advocates for a more intelligent approach to nourishment, one where ancestral wisdom and modern research work hand in hand.
You created Akka from personal necessity. At what moment did you realize the issue wasn’t simply iron deficiency itself, but the way modern supplements approach absorption and nourishment?
My journey began after struggling with low iron levels myself. Like many women, I tried conventional supplements, but I was frustrated by how little they worked and by the side effects they often caused. The turning point came when I started questioning why we had accepted isolated synthetic nutrients as the standard solution. I realized that our bodies evolved to recognize nutrients as they exist in nature, within a complete food matrix, accompanied by the cofactors that support absorption and utilization. It wasn't simply about getting more iron; it was about how the body receives, recognizes, and uses it. That realization became the foundation of Akka.
Akka speaks a lot about bioavailability and real nutrients rather than synthetic supplementation. Why do you think this distinction is becoming so important today?
People are becoming more informed and more intuitive about their health. They no longer want to simply manage symptoms; they want to understand how their bodies function. Bioavailability matters because a nutrient is only valuable if the body can absorb and utilize it. Nature has spent millions of years perfecting nutrient delivery systems, while many modern supplements isolate nutrients from their natural context. I believe we're witnessing a shift back toward nourishment rather than supplementation, a movement toward foods and nutrients that work in harmony with the body rather than forcing a biochemical shortcut.
Reindeer liver is an unusual ingredient in the wellness world. What makes it biologically so fascinating compared to traditional supplementation or even beef liver?
Reindeer are extraordinary animals. They live freely in the Arctic landscape, migrating across vast territories and feeding on a highly diverse natural diet that includes berries, lichens, herbs, and wild plants. Because of this environment, reindeer liver is exceptionally nutrient-dense. It contains highly bioavailable heme iron, vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, copper, CoQ10, and a broad spectrum of naturally occurring micronutrients. Beyond its nutritional profile, I find it fascinating because it represents a truly wild food source, something increasingly rare in our modern food system. It connects us to a way of nourishment that is deeply rooted in nature.
"I believe we're witnessing a shift back toward nourishment rather than supplementation, a movement toward foods and nutrients that work in harmony with the body rather than forcing a biochemical shortcut.”
Akka is deeply connected to Sámi traditions and the rhythm of the Swedish wilderness. How important was it for you to create a brand rooted not only in science, but also in respect for nature and ecological balance?
It was essential. Science explains why something works, but tradition often preserves knowledge long before science has the tools to measure it. The Sámi people have lived in harmony with the northern landscape for generations, understanding the value of utilizing the whole animal and respecting natural cycles. I wanted Akka to honor that wisdom while applying modern scientific rigor. For me, sustainability is not a marketing concept, it is about stewardship. We can only support human health if we also respect the ecosystems that sustain it.
Beyond energy and physical wellbeing, what do you ultimately hope people feel emotionally when they begin restoring their body through Akka?
I hope they feel trust in their bodies again. Many people, especially women, spend years feeling exhausted, depleted, or disconnected from their health. When the body receives what it truly needs, energy returns, but so does confidence, clarity, and resilience. The greatest outcome is not simply feeling better physically. It is feeling capable, vibrant, and fully present in your life.
Let's talk more about you: what is your vision of beauty and wellbeing?
To me, beauty is vitality. It is not perfection, nor is it about chasing an ideal. Real beauty comes from feeling strong, energetic, and at ease within yourself. Wellbeing is the foundation of that. It begins with nourishment, movement, rest, and meaningful relationships, but it also includes a sense of purpose. The most beautiful people I meet are rarely the most polished, they are the ones who radiate energy, authenticity, and confidence.
“Science explains why something works, but tradition often preserves knowledge long before science has the tools to measure it.”
We just talked about tradition. Do you practice lagom and if yes, what are your best pieces of advice to live this way of life at home?
Absolutely. Lagom is often translated as "not too much, not too little," but for me it is really about balance and intentionality. In a world that constantly encourages more, lagom reminds us that enough can be powerful. My advice is simple: create space in your day. Eat meals slowly. Spend time outdoors regardless of the weather. Choose quality over quantity in both your home and your wardrobe. And perhaps most importantly, allow yourself periods of rest without feeling guilty. The Swedish approach to wellbeing is not about optimization, it is about sustainability.
What are your favorite places to rest in Sweden and the most magical ones?
The Swedish north will always have a special place in my heart. There is something profoundly restorative about the vast landscapes, the silence, and the connection to nature. The mountains of Swedish Lapland feel almost otherworldly, particularly during the midnight sun or beneath the northern lights. I also love the archipelago on Sweden’s west coast. The rugged islands, the open sea, and the simplicity of life create a unique sense of calm and perspective that is hard to find elsewhere. One thing I believe makes Sweden truly special is that we experience all four seasons so distinctly. Each season invites us to live a little differently, summer encourages movement and long days outdoors, autumn invites us to slow down and gather, winter asks for rest and reflection, and spring brings renewal and energy. I think our bodies are naturally meant to move with these rhythms, adapting and transitioning alongside the changing seasons.
Modern life often pushes us to operate at the same pace year-round, but nature reminds us that there is wisdom in cycles. Learning to embrace those seasonal transitions has been one of the most powerful lessons for my own wellbeing. Closer to home, one of my favorite places for a short escape is a beautiful little hotel in Stockholm called Ett Hem, which translates to "a home." It feels less like a hotel and more like being welcomed into someone's exceptionally thoughtful residence. There is no menu and no sense of transaction, just a feeling that everything has already been taken care of. You are served what is in season and prepared with care, and if there is something you would like, you simply ask. It creates a remarkable sense of ease and generosity that is difficult to find elsewhere.
For me, it is one of the most magical places in Stockholm to rest, recharge, and reconnect with the simple pleasures that make life feel rich.
