red meat with chili pepper and green spies
assorted vegetables on brown wooden table

Physician Education

What is the difference between Heme Iron and Non Heme Iron?

Heme Iron Non-Heme Iron
High Absorption(10-24 times greater absorption than non-heme iron).Poor Absorption rates(2-20% absorption).
Can be taken with or without food.Absorption is impacted by vitamin c, calcium, coffee, tea, and PPI’s.
Gentle on the stomach due to lack of “free iron” in the GI tract.“Free iron” in the gut caues GI side effects.
Does not need to be taken with Vitamin C.Normally taken with Vitamin C to help with absorption.