Medical Futures Inc. Proferrin - 30 Tabs

Proferrin from Medical Futures INC.

What is it?

Proferrin is an unique iron supplement made up of heme iron polypeptide naturally sourced from bovine hemoglobin. Each tablet contains 11 mg of elemental iron. Proferrin adheres to Health Canada's recommended upper daily tolerable level of iron.

What does it do?

Proferrin provides high absorption of iron with low incidences of side effects commonly associated with iron treatments, such as cramping and constipation.

How does it work?

Proferrin is a heme iron which is readily absorbed through the gut using a specific receptor (HCP1) in the small intestine. Non-heme irons such as ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate and others (regardless if in liquid or pill form) are absorbed through non-specific means which may result in side effects such as constipation, abdominal pain or cramping.

Who is it for?

Proferrin is used for adults (18 years and older) who are at risk or are suffering from iron deficiency.

Who should not take Proferrin?

Before using heme iron polypeptide individuals should tell their health care professional if using methyldopa or other iron containing products. Individuals that are pregnant, breast feeding or have hemochromatosis, other types of anemia, repeated blood transfusions, or stomach and intestinal problems should tell their health care professional before using this product.

What is the dosage?

Adults may take 1-3 tablets a day in a divided dose. Heme iron absorption is not affected by foods such as: phytates (bran or wheat), polyphenols (compounds in tea or coffee), calcium or by achlorhydria (low stomach acid) that would otherwise reduce the absorption of other oral irons. Proferrin can be taken at any time of the day, with or without food.

Proferrin is the only iron supplement in Canada that contains heme-iron polypeptide. The body preferentially absorbs heme-iron through specific receptors throughout the small intestine. Heme-iron is found naturally in foods such as meat, poultry and fish.

When nature is not enough ask your healthcare professional for Proferrin by name.

Try Proferrin today and start experiencing a new generation of iron supplement!

Iron

What is Iron?

Iron is a chemical element with the symbol Fe. Biologically speaking, Iron is an essential trace mineral found within all living organisms. The most commonly studied and well-known compounds of iron within the human body are the heme proteins, as in hemoglobin and myoglobin. Iron uptake and storage is carefully regulated in the body. A protein called transferrin which binds iron absorbed from the duodenum,and carries it to the blood cells, is a major part of this regulation. Iron is stored in the body as ferritin.

Functions in the body

One major function of iron protein compounds is the transport of gases, the most important of which is oxygen. Hemoglobin (in the blood) and myoglobin (found in muscle tissue) are dependent on iron for their ability to carry oxygen to all of the body's tissues. Iron is necessary for biological oxidation reactions (the transport of electrons). Iron is also an important part of enzyme systems, processes that speed up chemical reactions in the body, such as catalase and lipoxygenase.

Iron containing enzymes synthesize the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin regulates mood and appetite while deficient levels of dopamine lead to diseases like Parkinson's. Iron also helps in the synthesis of collagen and elastin, which provides structural stability to most tissues and play a special role in maintaining elasticity in areas like the lungs and skin. Iron containing enzymes in the liver, called cytochromes, mediate the metabolism of many drugs. Carnitine carries fat into cells for use in energy production and requires iron for its production.

Iron in our Diet

Iron is found in the diet in two forms; heme iron and non heme iron. Heme iron is contained in animal products and considered to be more highly absorbed than it's non-heme counterpart. Lean red meats are probably the highest sources of this type of iron. Non-heme iron comes from vegetables, grains and beans (plant sources). There are some natural ways to increase iron absorption, especially important if you are eating mostly non-heme iron sources. Making sure to pair iron rich foods (heme or non-heme) with foods rich in vitamin C is one such way. Vitamin C can significantly improve iron absorption. See below for more ways to optimize iron absorption.

Iron and Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency, or iron deficiency anemia, can be caused by blood loss, either large or continuous small losses, hypothyroidism and many long-term illnesses. It can be caused (although less often) by low iron intake, such as that of poor vegan and vegetarian diets. Menstruating women are more likely to benefit from iron supplementation, especially those with excess blood loss, as in menorrhagia. Gastro-intestinal conditions, such as Crohn's and Colitis may impair absorption of iron, regardless of how much is being consumed. There are also some medications that increase red blood cell count and therefore may cause iron deficiency, if iron stores are not concurrently 'stocked up'. Iron deficiency is very common during pregnancy.

Hypervolemia of pregnancy (increased blood volume) causes relative iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can also be common in breast-fed or low iron formula fed infants. Some of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, pale face, dry skin and brittle nails, constipation, headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite and decreased immunity. Without iron, red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen to other cells in the body. Without this oxygen, the cells cannot function properly. In severe cases of iron deficiency, heart palpitations and breathlessness are observed, as these cells fight for more oxygen.