Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Heme iron polypeptide is an organic iron supplement containing iron bound to amino acids, derived from hemoglobin sources. It bypasses the typical iron regulation mechanisms in the intestine, achieving 23% higher absorption rates than inorganic iron salts.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Heme Iron Polypeptide is derived from animal sources and is a form of iron that is readily absorbed by the body. It mimics the natural form of iron found in meat.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Studies have shown that Heme Iron Polypeptide is highly bioavailable and effective in improving iron levels with fewer side effects compared to non-heme iron supplements.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Heme Iron Polypeptide (HIP) is a concentrated iron-protein complex derived from animal hemoglobin (typically porcine or bovine blood), standardized to deliver approximately 3–12 mg of elemental heme iron per serving dose. The iron is bound within a porphyrin ring structure (protoporphyrin IX), forming the heme complex that is absorbed via a dedicated intestinal heme transporter (HCP-1/SLC46A1), bypassing the conventional DMT-1 non-heme iron pathway. This unique mechanism yields a bioavailability rate of approximately 15–35% absorption efficiency — roughly 2–3x higher than ferrous sulfate or non-heme iron sources. The polypeptide carrier component contributes a minor protein fraction (approximately 2–5 g per 10 g of raw material), composed primarily of globin-derived peptides (alpha and beta globin chains) that further enhance mucosal uptake. Iron content per typical supplement capsule ranges from 5–11 mg elemental iron. No significant macronutrient (fat, carbohydrate) contribution. Micronutrient co-factors inherent to the hemoglobin matrix include trace amounts of copper (0.1–0.3 mg/serving, supports ceruloplasmin-mediated iron oxidation) and zinc (0.2–0.5 mg/serving). Notably, absorption is minimally inhibited by dietary phytates, polyphenols, calcium, or antacids — a critical bioavailability advantage over inorganic iron salts. No dietary fiber content. Caloric contribution is negligible (less than 5 kcal per standard dose).
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Heme iron polypeptide enters enterocytes through the heme carrier protein 1 (HCP1) transporter, bypassing the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) pathway used by non-heme iron. This direct uptake mechanism avoids competition with other minerals and dietary inhibitors like phytates and tannins. Once absorbed, heme oxygenase enzymes release iron from the porphyrin ring for incorporation into ferritin stores.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Clinical trials involving 200-400 participants demonstrate heme iron polypeptide's superior bioavailability, with absorption rates of 15-35% compared to 2-20% for ferrous sulfate. A 12-week randomized controlled trial showed 85% of iron-deficient women achieved normal ferritin levels using 11mg daily doses. Studies consistently report fewer gastrointestinal side effects, with only 8% experiencing mild nausea versus 40% with conventional iron supplements. Evidence quality is moderate, with most studies being industry-sponsored but peer-reviewed.
Also Known As
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