Heme Iron

11 mg of bovine-sourced heme iron per softgel, plus folate, vitamin B12, and a proprietary blend of vitamin C.11 mg of bovine-sourced heme iron per softgel, plus folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin C for optimal absorption and digestive tolerance. Vitamin C is provided as Pureway C™, a proprietary combination of ascorbic acid and bioflavonoids that has been shown to improve the absorption and half-life of vitamin C compared to standard ascorbic acid. Heme iron offers higher absorption rates than non-heme iron sources, absorption is less affected by dietary compounds such as polyphenols and phytates, and may offer improved digestive tolerance. Heme iron is not suitable for vegan populations. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in developed countries. One in two women is expected to suffer from it at some point in their lives. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a low red blood cell count. Although iron deficiency anemia typically presents with symptoms of fatigue, weakness, hair loss, and pallor, low iron levels can affect many other body systems at the same time or even before anemia sets in. Iron is not only an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin, it is also necessary for the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin, the production of triiodothyronine, and the regulation of cytokines. This may explain why iron has been shown to play a role in promoting optimal thyroid function, mood regulation, cognition, immune function, and female fertility. Children, adolescents, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, vegans, and vegetarians are at risk of iron deficiency or simply have increased iron needs. It is clear that effective and well-tolerated iron supplementation options are needed for a wide variety of populations. While there are many types of iron supplements available on the market, a clear distinction is often made between heme and non-heme iron. Heme iron is found in animal-based foods that contain hemoglobin, such as meat, fish, and poultry, while non-heme iron comes from plant sources such as grains and vegetables. This distinction is important because heme iron is the most bioavailable form of iron. It is easily absorbed at 25-30% from the digestive tract, which is much better than non-heme iron, which is only absorbed at 1-10%. Heme iron absorption rates are also less affected by dietary compounds such as polyphenols and phytates. Finally, heme iron supplementation tends to generate fewer gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, upset stomach, and constipation. Cyto-Matrix Heme Iron contains 11 mg of bovine-sourced heme iron, along with folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin C for optimal absorption and digestive tolerance. Vitamin C is provided in the form of Pureway C™, a proprietary combination of ascorbic acid and bioflavonoids that has been shown to improve the absorption and half-life of vitamin C compared to standard ascorbic acid. For vegan or liquid alternatives, patients may also consider Cyto-Matrix's Iron Matrix and Bio-Ferra, which include two non-heme options: iron bis-glycinate and polysaccharide iron complex. Both forms are well tolerated by the digestive tract. Heme iron is intended for individuals with iron deficiency who wish to quickly replenish their iron levels, or for those who have difficulty increasing their iron levels using traditional non-heme sources.