Heme Iron Tablets

Iron is an essential mineral that your body requires for numerous vital functions. It serves as a building block for hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout your body. When your body doesn’t receive enough iron, it cannot produce an adequate number of healthy red blood cells, leading to a condition known as iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This can result in symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, decreased attention span, and can even affect your hair and nails.

Dietary iron exists in two main forms: heme iron and non-heme iron. Heme iron is found primarily in animal foods such as meat, fish, and poultry (which contain hemoglobin). Non-heme iron is derived from plant sources like cereals, beans, and some vegetables. A crucial difference between these two types of iron lies in their absorbability. Heme iron is much easier for the body to recognize and absorb than non-heme iron, which must first be converted into a usable form. This built-in advantage makes heme iron a reliable source for maintaining healthy iron levels.

Benefits of Heme Iron Supplements

Due to its higher bioavailability, heme iron supplements offer several key benefits:

• Effective Iron Replenishment: They are ideal for individuals looking to replenish their iron
• Supports Pregnancy Needs: Studies suggest that heme iron benefits fetal development during pregnancy, a period when the body’s iron requirements significantly increase
• Gentle on the Stomach: Many heme iron supplements are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system, reducing the likelihood of common iron supplement side effects
• High Absorption: Heme iron is characterized by its high absorption rate, allowing the body to utilize the supplemented iron more efficiently
• Less Affected by Food: Unlike non-heme iron, the absorption of heme iron is not significantly influenced by food intake, allowing for more flexible timing of supplementation
• Fewer Side Effects: Compared to traditional iron compounds, heme iron supplements tend to cause significantly fewer side effects

Heme Iron Tablets vs. Other Iron Supplements

The main difference between heme iron tablets and other iron supplements lies in the form of iron they contain. As mentioned above, heme iron is derived from animal products and boasts better absorption rates compared to non-heme iron.

Heme iron supplements are also generally associated with fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Many individuals struggle with the digestive discomfort often linked to non-heme iron supplements. The absorption of non-heme iron can also be significantly affected by dietary factors, such as the consumption of tea, coffee, and calcium-rich foods, while heme iron absorption is less susceptible to these foods and drinks.

However, it’s important to note that heme iron is sourced from animals, typically bovine hemoglobin. This makes it unsuitable for individuals following strict vegetarian or vegan diets or those with an allergy to bovine products.

How to Take Heme Iron Tablets for Maximum Absorption

Generally, heme iron tablets can be taken by mouth with or without food as directed on the product package. It is advisable to follow all directions on the product label. Also, consult with a doctor or pharmacist before starting an iron supplementation regimen. It is often recommended to take the tablet with a full glass of water unless otherwise instructed.

For consistency and to help you remember, it is best to your heme iron supplement at the same times each day. While heme iron absorption is less affected by food, some products may have specific recommendations, so it is recommended you check the label.

It is important to consult a healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplement. This is especially the case if you have underlying medical conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking other medications. Iron supplements can interact with certain drugs, such as antacids, so it may be necessary to separate the doses of these medications as far as possible from your iron supplement dose. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance on appropriate timing and dosage.

Where to Buy Heme Iron Tablets

Heme iron tablets are available from various retailers, both online and in stores. OptiFer Alpha is available at pharmacies across Canada and you can find a list of retailers here. It is always recommended to purchase your heme iron supplements from reputable sources to ensure product quality and safety.

Conclusion

Heme iron tablets are a highly absorbable and often gentler alternative to traditional iron supplements. They help prevent and treat iron deficiency more effectively for many people. Because of their superior bioavailability, they’re less likely to cause digestive side effects. This makes them a good option for individuals like pregnant women or those who have trouble with non-heme iron. For best results, follow the product instructions and consult a healthcare professional to find the right dosage for you.

References:

Amazon.ca: Heme Iron
CanPrev Premium Health Products: Heme Iron
Gastrointestinal Society: Proferrin® – Iron For Good Health
Mayo Clinic: Iron Supplement (Oral Route, Parenteral Route) Description
WebMD: Iron Heme Polypep‑Folic Acid Tablet