Natural Factors HemoFactors 20 mg, 60 Chew Tabs

Iron plays a central role in transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues, and carries carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Iron is also vital to energy production. Our dietary intake of iron does not always satisfy the body’s needs and often requires supplementation. The best form of supplemental iron appears to be ferrous pyrophosphate. Sunactive Fe^® ferrous pyrophosphate is micronized (reduced to a very small particle size) and microencapsulated, to allow it to be dispersed and assimilated without gastrointestinal side effects. Natural Factors HemoFactors is a great-tasting chewable tablet containing Sunactive Fe and provides all the benefits of this unique form of iron.

Pumping iron
By Dr. Kate Rhéaume, B.Sc., N.D.

Iron deficiency is globally the most common nutrient deficiency. Iron plays a central role in the hemoglobin molecule of our red blood cells, where it functions to transport oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues, and carries carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs. Iron is also involved in the functioning of several key enzymes that are vital to energy production.

Often our dietary intake of iron does not adequately satisfy the body’s needs. This is particularly common in menstruating women, as well as women who are pregnant or lactating. Vegetarians have an increased risk of iron deficiency since their dietary iron intake is often low. The absorption of iron depends on adequate levels of stomach acid so those who frequently use antacid medications may also be at risk for iron deficiency. In addition, because stomach acid levels decline with age, the elderly are at greater risk.

Anemia is a condition in which the blood is deficient in red blood cells or hemoglobin, however it is possible to be deficient in iron without having anemia. Iron-dependent enzymes involved in energy production are the first to be affected by low iron levels. A blood test that measures serum ferritin, the iron storage protein, is the best way to determine iron deficiency.

Heme iron, most commonly found in red meat (especially liver), is the best dietary source of iron and has an absorption rate of up to 30%. Good nonmeat sources of iron include beans, molasses, dried fruits, whole grains and green leafy vegetables. The absorption rate for non-heme (vegetable) sources of iron is approximately 5%, but can be enhanced by vitamin C.

Achieving optimum iron levels often requires supplementation. Ferrous sulfate is the most common iron supplement, but often causes constipation. The best form of supplemental iron appears to be ferrous pyrophosphate. Sunactive Fe^® ferrous pyrophosphate is micronized (reduced to a very small particle size) and microencapsulated, to allow it to be dispersed and assimilated. Sunactive Fe is extremely safe, stable, tasteless and has no gastrointestinal side effects. Natural Factors HemoFactors is a great-tasting chewable tablet containing Sunactive Fe and provides all the benefits of this unique form of iron.

References:
Agarwal R., “Nonhematological benefits of iron.” Am J Nephrol. 2007;27(6):565-71.
Fairbanks V.F., and Beutler E., “Iron”, In: Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease, 7th Ed. Shils M.E. and Young V.R. (eds). Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, PA, 1988 pp193-226
Fidler M.C., Walczyk T., Davidsson L., et al., “A micronised, dispersible ferric pyrophosphate with high relative bioavailability in man.” Br J Nutr. 2004 Jan;91(1):107-
Jacobs A.M., Owen G.M., “The effect of age on iron absorption.” J Gerontol 1960;24:95-6.

HemoFactors by Natural Factors contains SunActive^® iron, a highly bioavailable form of elemental iron that is easily absorbable and gentle on the stomach. Iron is a trace mineral found in hemoglobin that carries oxygen to cells to help produce energy. Supplementation helps prevent iron deficiency anemia and is especially important for women of child-bearing age.