What is Bifera?
Bifera is the only over-the-counter (OTC) iron supplement to offer both heme iron (protein-based iron) and non-heme iron (plant-based iron). Unlike other iron supplements, Bifera provides two types of iron in one small, easy-to-swallow pill for maximum absorption.
The Bifera Iron Advantage
While other over-the-counter iron supplements only include non-heme iron, Bifera includes heme iron, the natural carrier of iron found in red meat. Recent studies show the heme iron found in Bifera offers 23 times greater absorption than other iron supplements. Due to its highly-efficient absorption, heme iron is generally free of side-effects, including stomach irritation and constipation, commonly found with conventional iron supplement products. As a result, the iron supplement Bifera can be taken with or without food and does not need to be taken with Vitamin C.
How does Bifera work?
Bifera contains two forms of iron: heme iron (HIP) and non-heme iron (PIC). These two forms of iron, found only in Bifera, work together to restore your body’s hemoglobin levels. Bifera’s unique dual iron formula increases iron absorption by filling more receptor sites throughout the small intestine, providing you with optimal absorption.
Here is how Bifera works compared to other iron supplements:
Maximum iron absorption is only possible when two different forms of iron – heme and non-heme iron – are taken together. The illustration above shows how these two types of iron stimulate different receptors in the small intestine, enabling maximum absorption and, as a result, restored energy. Unlike any other iron supplement available over the counter, Bifera provides both heme and non-heme iron in a single, small pill.
Why choose Bifera?
Bifera is the new, innovative dual iron supplement now on the market. Unlike other over-the-counter iron supplement that only include non-heme iron, Bifera includes heme iron and non-heme iron similar to the same types of iron found in a steak and potato. Bifera provides two forms of iron for people who need the energy and nutritional benefits provided by both heme iron and non-heme iron. Bifera is small and easy-to-swallow. Bifera offers the potential for greater iron absorption without the unwanted side effects of other iron supplements, like nausea and constipation.
Sources:
Seligman, P., et al, Clinical Studies of HIP: An Oral Heme-Iron Product, Nutr Res 2000; 20(9): 1279-86
Frykman, E., et al, Side effects of iron supplements in blood donors: Superior tolerance of heme iron, J Lab Clin Med 1994;123(4): 561-4
Who should take Bifera?
Bifera is recommended for adults already taking supplemental iron, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, anemics, and men and women who simply need more iron in their diet and the energy provided by Bifera. As with any dietary supplement product, it is best to seek the advice and recommendation from a medical professional before taking.
History of Bifera
For years, the popular prescription prenatal supplement PreferaOB has provided the nutritional community with an oral iron combination that offers both heme and non-heme iron in one small pill with virtually no side effects. Now, for the first time, this innovation in an iron supplement will be available over-the-counter in the same form, without the prenatal folic acid, in an iron supplement known as Bifera.
About Iron Deficiency
Why is iron vital to the body?
Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells. Iron is part of the hemoglobin molecule that gives red blood cells (RBC) their color. When oxygen moves from your lungs into the blood, iron helps your RBCs to pick up the oxygen and to carry it to all parts of your body. Each and every cell in your body needs oxygen to produce energy. With enough energy in every one of your body cells, you feel “full” of energy. Without enough iron, your cells produce less energy. You may not know it right away, but after living some time with low iron in your blood, you feel tired, weak, and irritable.
Iron deficiency means that you have low iron levels in your blood. Sometimes, all the iron that’s usually stored in your body is already used up.
Iron deficiency is a serious condition.
- Iron deficiency can cause severe fatigue that interferes with your daily routine.
- People with iron deficiency often have trouble concentrating or remembering things.
- Iron deficiency can lead to irregular heartbeats, chest pain, and even a heart attack.
- Mothers with iron deficiency often give birth to underweight or preterm babies.
- In babies, iron deficiency can interfere with normal physical and mental growth.
Are you at risk for iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency means that you have low iron levels in your blood. Sometimes, all the iron that’s usually stored in your body is already used up.
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional problems. There are many reasons why women, in particular, need to guard against iron deficiency.
- Women lose blood every month during their menstrual periods. Therefore, they have an especially high risk of iron deficiency. More than 1 in every 10 women of childbearing age has iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is even more common in African American women and women of Mexican descent.
- A woman’s iron requirement is increased during pregnancy, because her baby needs iron to grow. About half of all pregnant women experience iron deficiency while they are carrying their babies.
- Many women do not include enough red meat and eggs in their diet. Meat and egg yolks are some of the best sources of heme iron (the type of iron with the best iron absorption by your body). Not eating enough of these foods can cause iron deficiency.
- After children have left the house, women may find it hard to continue cooking nutritious meals for just one or two people. That can be a set-up for iron deficiency.
- Menopausal women may take supplements like calcium and certain medications that can make it harder for their bodies to extract iron from food. Not enough iron absorption also can lead to iron deficiency.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Iron deficiency.
Accessed January 6, 2009.
National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute. Iron-deficiency anemia.
Accessed January 6, 2009.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Iron deficiency - United States, 1999-2000. MMWR. 2002;51(40):897-9.
Talking to Your Healthcare Provider:
Tests for Iron Deficiency
If you are concerned about iron deficiency, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she may assess the iron in your blood with two common blood tests:
- A test to measure the hemoglobin in your blood
- A hematocrit to determine the percent of red blood cells in your blood
If your hemoglobin and your hematocrit are low, you may have iron deficiency. Your healthcare provider will rule out serious health problems that could have caused low iron in your blood, and discuss ways you can rid yourself of iron deficiency. You may need to consume more foods that contain iron, or you may need to add an iron supplement to take care of your iron deficiency.
You do not have to live with iron deficiency. You can do something about it!
It’s important that you do take action to stop your iron deficiency. If you don’t take care of the low iron in your blood, iron deficiency can become a serious problem.
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