Optifer Alpha Heme Iron Supplement

OptiFer

OptiFer Alpha is an iron supplement. It provides you with heme iron, which is a form of iron that your body absorbs easily. This heme iron supplement comes in a tablet form to be consumed and is packaged in blister packs for added convenience.

Dietary iron comes in two forms: heme iron and non-heme iron. However, certain groups of people may not be getting enough iron through their diet alone. These groups include women of a menstruating age, pregnant women, and athletes. In such cases, iron supplements can help meet their iron needs. Without enough iron, you can develop iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Iron Deficiency Anemia

A lack of iron is the cause of iron deficiency anemia. As an essential nutrient, iron carries oxygen to different parts of your body. It does this through the hemoglobin in your blood. Consequently, without enough iron, you can experience a myriad of symptoms that affect your quality of life.

Here are some of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Light-headedness
• Insomnia
• Shortness of breath
• Paleness
• Coldness

Speak to your healthcare practitioner if you experience any of the symptoms listed above.

Heme Iron Supplements

As we mentioned above, iron comes in two forms: heme and non-heme. Generally, you can get heme iron from meat and non-heme iron from vegetables. Heme iron supplements are absorbed efficiently by your body through the HCP1 receptor.

This is not the case for non-heme iron which needs to be broken down and processed more before it can be absorbed and used. This entire process also causes more gastrointestinal side effects. Examples of these side effects are cramps, diarrhea, and constipation. Your diet and other factors can influence the absorption of non-heme iron. As a result, some people may not tolerate non-heme iron supplements that well.

Consequently, heme iron supplements are often more preferred as they do not have many side effects.

OptiFer Alpha Ingredients

Optifer Alpha is made from non-GMO bovine heme iron.

Here is the list of ingredients in the Optifer Alpha tablet:

• Elemental iron 11 mg (heme iron)
• Di-Calcium Micro-crystalline cellulose
• Modified food starch
• Magnesium salts
• Talc
• Silicon dioxide
• Ethyl cellulose
• Iron oxide
• Carnauba wax

Also, OptiFer Alpha is gluten free and halal.

OptiFer Alpha Dosage

The dosage of Optifer Alpha heme iron is 11 mg of elemental iron.

OptiFer Alpha can be taken with or without food. Since it is heme iron, its’ absorption is not affected by anything else you consume. You can take it three times a day, one tablet each time.

This daily amount will depend on what your doctor recommends for you so double check with your doctor before you start taking iron supplements. It takes a few weeks to a few months to improve your iron levels and symptoms but check with your doctor on what is best for you. Optifer Alpha is safe for pregnant women.

OptiFer Iron Canada

Across Canada, OptiFer Alpha is available in pharmacies, retail stores, and online. Health Canada approves its use for people with iron deficiency anemia. You do not need a prescription to buy Optifer Alpha heme iron supplement. However, in some stores, you may need to ask the pharmacist for OptiFer Alpha.

Before you start using any iron supplements, check with your doctor to see if you need them. Additionally, your doctor can help determine the best type and proper dosage for you.

Conclusion

Optifer Alpha heme iron supplements can be used if you have iron deficiency and symptoms associated with iron deficiency anemia. Heme iron absorbs easily with fewer side effects, and is a great choice for people who cannot tolerate other iron supplements. Moreover, OptiFer Alpha is available in pharmacies, retailers, and online stores for accessibility.

If you have any of the symptoms of iron deficiency, check with your doctor and test your iron levels. Ask for OptiFer Alpha if the results show your iron levels are low.

References

Pharmacy 24: Optifer Alpha heme Polypeptide Heme Iron

Well.ca: Optifer Alpha Heme Iron Supplement

GI Society Canadian Society of Intestinal Research: New Heme Iron Supplement: OptiFer® Alpha

Amazon: Optifer Alpha heme iron supplement for Iron Deficiency Anemia