FerCare Forte

Anemia is a pathology in which hemoglobin (a pigment that gives color to red blood cells and has the function of transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues) has lower than normal values.

It is a common disease that can affect anyone, however it is more frequent in women of childbearing age due to blood loss during menstruation and pregnancy. The elderly are also in the risk groups, due to the deficient absorption of iron.

It is duly documented that deficiency or poor absorption in iron is a global public health problem, with the World Health Organization stating that iron is thus the world’s leading deficiency. There are a variety of iron supplements on the market, however there is a significant problem that stems from your intake : irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort.

In adult women, the normal volume of red blood cells is approximately 36% to 48%. This volume is slightly higher in men (40% to 52%). Hemoglobin concentration is usually between 11.5 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) and 17.5 mg/dl, with some variances, depending on the laboratory that performs the tests. The search for an origin, including vitamin deficit or nutrients such as iron or blood loss, are important factors. Treatment depends on the severity of anemia and its underlying cause.

In the slightest or early stages of the disease, symptoms may go unnoticed and may only be found in blood analysis. In general, anemia is associated with the following signs:

To understand why iron supplements typically cause abdominal pain and intestinal discomfort, we need to understand how the body absorbs free-form iron.

When iron supplements are taken, iron absorption goes through several steps in the digestive tract. Gastric acid, enzymes and the action of digestion that occurs in the stomach, help to make iron more soluble. However, our body has a limited absorption capacity of only 20% of this iron, leaving the remaining 80% unabsorbed.

Iron absorption occurs through the cells in the upper part of the small intestine, where some harmful bacteria lodge and feed on this unabsorbed iron, leading to intestinal discomfort. In addition, inflammation of the intestines reduces the possibility of iron absorption. Some foods may limit iron absorption.

With limited absorption capacity and gastrointestinal discomfort, the standard sources of iron found in most supplements face many challenges in helping patients achieve the necessary iron balance.

LifeWell’s FerCare Forte Lactoferrin is the most current approach, with a specific mechanism of action that improves free iron absorption and does not cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

There are two types of heme iron and no heme. Heme iron is of animal origin, obtained from hemoglobin and myoglobin, proteins that bind to oxygen. Heme iron stands out for its high bioavailability, about 15 to 35%.

Due to its molecular structure, heme iron (Fe2+) forms a strong bond with the porphyrin ring structure and is absorbed in the form of a single molecule in the intestine. In this way, free iron ions that can cause unwanted irritation in the intestine, form in a smaller amount or do not form. The bioavailability of Fe2+ is higher than that of iron (Fe3+). In addition, heme iron (the hemoglobin present in the composition of FerCare) stimulates the absorption of non-heme iron by the body.

The development of a natural source of iron (hemoglobin) occurs because it is known that non-heme iron sources are less tolerated and less effectively absorbed. Heme iron is well absorbed by the intestine through an independent pathway, thus having an excellent bioavailability and a very good tolerability. This results in residual amounts of unabsorbed heme iron that do not lead to gastrointestinal irritations or minimal changes. Higher levels of absorption and tolerability lead to greater physiological efficacy. In addition, the absorption of hemoglobin is not affected by gastric acidity or by food or beverages.

It has been clinically proven that hemoglobin increases iron in the body and does not condition gastrointestinal changes, it is also safe in pregnancy. It can be used in pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant, as well as in women with abnormal uterine bleeding with anemia or low iron reserves.

It is the most complete and current iron supplementation on the market, was developed to respond in all cases where there is a significant increase in iron needs: gastrointestinal diseases, chronic kidney diseases, pregnancy and breastfeeding. FerCare Forte’s strength lies in its excellent tolerability and integrity. FerCare Forte has Hemoglobin and Lactoferrin in combination with Ferrous Bisglycinate, one of the most studied iron sources with excellent tolerability.

This combination of Hemoglobin and Lactoferrin with iron has been specially developed to reduce gastrointestinal effects compared to other older iron supplements.

Hemoglobin is a natural source of iron (called heme iron) and has recently been developed because it is known that non-heme iron sources are less tolerated and less effectively absorbed. Hemoglobin is thus a source of heme iron that is well absorbed by the intestine through an independent pathway, thus having a great bioavailability and a very good tolerability.

This combination of lactoferrin with iron has been specially developed to reduce gastrointestinal effects compared to other older iron supplements.

Lactoferrin is a glycoprotein naturally present in milk: “Lacto” = milk, “ferrin” = iron. He’s a member of the transferrin family that carries iron ions. It is a natural constituent of body fluids such as saliva, breast milk and tears.

Lactoferrin has been shown in clinical research to be a more bioavailable source of iron, increasing serum ferritin levels by 5.8x, which allows for more efficient absorption of iron compared to other iron sources. It has also been proven to have natural anti-inflammatory action, as measured by the IL-64 marker.

Lactoferrin is a first-line defense multifunctional protein, which has a more bioavailable iron source when compared to ferrous sulfate. It has a greater ability to bind to iron than other transferrins. Lactoferrin binds the iron already present in the body, helping the body to use it and absorb it more efficiently. This eliminates the need to add non-native sources of iron, allowing the body to receive the correct iron balance without gastrointestinal discomfort.

As mentioned, FerCare Forte is the most pleasant option for the digestive system, thus supporting the gastrointestinal tract and all its functions. Instead of offering only elemental iron – the kind found in virtually every iron supplement on the market – and causing intestinal inflammation, FerCare Forte lactoferrin helps the body in the absorption process and, more importantly, without gastrointestinal disorders. In clinical research, Lactoferrin from FerCare Forte was more bioavailable, allowing a more efficient absorption of iron compared to other sources of iron alone.

With FerCare Forte you get 20 mg of lactoferrin, lactose-free and gluten-free.

Editorial Note: This page and all other contents presented in lifewell.pt are prepared and reviewed by medical experts in Portugal.