• What is heme?

Heme is the most important component of Hemoglobin. It is obtained by digesting (the process of getting rid of the fat and protein attached to the heme). The iron (Fe) in Heme is called Heme Iron. HIP = Heme Ring plus 1 to 29 amino acids attached. Heme is the key oxygen-carrying component in red blood cells.

  • What is Heme Iron Polypeptide?

Heme Iron Polypeptide is a natural occurring iron source with high absorption and low side effects that helps maintain and support healthy iron levels[1][2].

  • What is iron deficiency and how is it treated?

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). You can usually correct iron deficiency anemia with iron supplementation through liquids, capsules, pills, or IV iron.

  • What Causes Iron Deficiency During Pregnancy?

In order to keep you and your baby well nourished, the amount of blood in the body must increase by 50% during pregnancy [3]. As the mother’s body makes blood more quickly, the need for iron is often greater than the amount the expectant mother has stored in her body. The result is iron deficiency.

  • Is it okay for pregnant women to take?

Yes, the general recommendation is to take 1-3 Tablets per day (for ES) or as directed by your doctor (for Forte). (Based on heme iron polypeptide studies done by Asahi.) Consult a doctor before breast-feeding

  • Why Do Athletes Need Iron?

Vigorous training stimulates an increase in the number of red blood cells and small blood vessels, increasing the physiological demand for iron.  As muscle mass grows, there is a corresponding increase in red blood cells and blood vessels, thereby increasing iron intake needs.[4]

  • Do I Need Vitamin C with my Iron Supplement?

The answer is mostly no, and it all depends upon which type of iron supplement you take. When considering Vitamin C and Iron absorption, remember that there are two types of iron supplements. Ionic Iron supplements are inexpensive to manufacture and are found in various forms as salts, chelates, polysaccharides, and proteinates. Proferrin® brand Heme Iron on the other hand is relatively expensive to manufacture and is available in the form of Heme Iron Polypeptide (HIP) which is refined from Bovine Hemoglobin. Heme Iron Polypeptide does not require vitamin C to perform effectively.

  • What side effects are expected with Proferrin?

Low GI side effects (nausea, gas, constipation)[5]

  • What makes Proferrin different from other iron supplements?

Unique absorption pathway, not effected by food (take with meals or without), acid pH not required. Very well tolerated, high efficacy. Absorbed intact through-out small intestine, specific transporter throughout the intestine, transporter availability limits over-absorption of heme iron.

  • Does anyone else manufacture heme iron? (US or abroad?)

Not in the U.S. but in the past other international companies produced a similar product.

Some companies offer a heme iron supplement made from liver parts. However, these products do not produce an effective amount of iron.

  • How much Iron should I take?
GenderUSDA – RDA75% of RDA (Heme Iron)
Males8 – 11 mg. (age dependent)6 – 8.25 mg.
Females8 – 18 mg. (age dependent)6 – 13.5 mg.
Pregnancy27 mg.20.25 mg.
  • Am I supposed to take this with or without food?

It can be taken either way. Absorption does not appear to be affected by food intake and is not hindered by Achlorhydria, a condition where little or no stomach acids are produced, so it can be taken by PPI patients. (Sharma article)

  • Is there anything I can take to make it absorb better?

There is no need to help the product absorb better. The heme iron polypeptide is very bio-available and well absorbed. (Grasbeck, Hallberg)

  • Why does it have so much fewer milligrams of iron compared to other iron supplements?

Because the elemental iron is in the natural heme form, it is absorbed 10-23 times better than equal amounts of iron salt, such as ferrous fumerate. Therefore, you need much less heme iron to get the same or better absorption than using 70-125mg of elemental iron in iron salts.

In addition, many irons measure by the weight of the iron molecules, not by the weight of the elemental iron (iron only weight). Therefore, the number of milligrams is of little value when comparing different commercially available iron supplements.

  • How long before I start seeing results?

It depends on the individual, health factors, and dosing, but the effects are cumulative and generally reach full effects after several weeks.

  • I have Celiac Disease, can I take Proferrin products?

Yes- there are no wheat products in Proferrin ES or Proferrin Forte.

  • What is the difference between Proferrin ES and Proferrin Forte?

Proferrin Forte contains 1mg of folic acid. This is the only difference between the two products.

  • What other products have heme iron?

Proferrin® is the only heme iron available in the U.S. as an iron supplement. Proferrin is found in Proferrin ES and Proferrin Forte, as well as Biferra and Preferra OB.

Other products that have heme iron include meat and meat products.

  • The product is great – why haven’t we heard of it before?

As a small company we have focused our efforts on research and development, and just now are beginning to effectively market our products.

References:

[1] Ghaddar, abstract presented at NKF April 7, 2003, Dallas, TX

[2] Abdelazim IA, Abu-Faza M, Elbiaa AA, Othman HS, Alsharif DA, Elsawah WF. Heme iron polypeptide (proferrin®-ES) versus iron saccharate complex (ferrosac) for treatment of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Acta Med Int 2017;4:56-61

[3] Utah Department of Health. Maternal and Infant Health Program. “Anemia During Pregnancy.”

[4] Mairbäurl, Heimo. “Red blood cells in sports: effects of exercise and training on oxygen supply by red blood cells.” Frontiers in physiology vol. 4 332. 12 Nov. 2013, doi:10.3389/fphys.2013.00332

[5] Nissenson, AR, Berns, JS, Sakiewicz, P, et al. Clinical evaluation of heme iron polypeptide: sustaining a response to rHuEPO in hemodialysis patients. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. 2003;42(2):325-330. doi:10.1016/S0272-6386(03)00658-9.