Heme Iron
Heme Iron Polypeptide Manufacturer | High Absorption Iron (CAS: 14875-96-8) Headline: Heme Iron Polypeptide Powder | The "Gentle Iron" for Anemia Relief (CAS: 14875-96-8) Sub-info: Iron Content ≥ 2% / 8% | Extracted from Porcine/Bovine Hemoglobin | High Bioavailability | No Metallic Taste. USP: • Superior Absorption: Absorbed intact via specific heme receptors in the gut, achieving 5-7 times higher absorption rates than inorganic iron (Ferrous Sulfate). • Zero GI Side Effects: Does not cause constipation, nausea, or gastric irritation commonly associated with traditional iron supplements. • Dietary Compatible: Absorption is not inhibited by tea, coffee, or calcium, unlike non-heme iron sources.
Introduction

Heme Iron (often supplied as Heme Iron Polypeptide, CAS: 14875-96-8) is the natural form of iron found in meat and blood. It consists of a porphyrin ring containing a central Iron ($Fe^{2+}$) ion.
Unlike inorganic iron salts that must be converted and often cause oxidative stress in the gut, Heme Iron is absorbed directly as a stable porphyrin complex. We extract high-purity Heme Iron from healthy Porcine or Bovine hemoglobin using enzymatic hydrolysis. This yields a soluble, black/dark brown powder that is the gold standard for treating Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) in pregnant women and dialysis patients.
Category:
Keywords:
absorption
polypeptide
Functions
1.Hemoglobin Synthesis (Anti-Anemia)
Iron is the core component of Hemoglobin (Hb) and Myoglobin. Heme Iron rapidly replenishes physiological iron stores (Ferritin) to reverse anemia symptoms like fatigue, pale skin, and dizziness faster than synthetic alternatives.
2.Oxygen Transport
By restoring Hemoglobin levels, it improves the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, enhancing physical endurance and cognitive function, especially in athletes and menstruating women.
3.Safe Supplementation
Because the iron is sequestered within the porphyrin ring, it does not generate free radicals in the stomach. This prevents the mucosal damage and gut inflammation often seen with Ferrous Sulfate or Fumarate.

Applications
1.Iron Deficiency Supplements
• Format: Tablets, Capsules.
• Target: Pregnancy nutrition, Women's health.
• Claim: "Gentle on the stomach," "Constipation-Free Iron."
2.Functional Foods (Fortification)
• Usage: Added to biscuits, energy bars, or chocolate.
• Benefit: Heme iron masks the metallic taste better than mineral iron, although the dark color limits application to dark-colored foods.
3.Pharmaceutical Preparations
• Usage: Oral liquids for rapid anemia correction (e.g., post-surgery recovery).

Flow Chart
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Hemoglobin
1.Raw Material: Fresh Porcine/Bovine Blood (Quarantine Certified).
2.Separation: Centrifugation to separate red blood cells from plasma.
3.Hemolysis: Breaking cell walls to release Hemoglobin.
4.Enzymatic Hydrolysis: Using Protease to digest the globin protein, isolating the Heme group.
5.Separation & Purification: Adjusting pH and filtration to separate Heme Iron from peptides.
6.Concentration: Ultra-filtration.
7.Spray Drying: Converting into fine powder.
8.Sieving: Passing 80 Mesh.
9.QC Testing: Iron Content, Protein Content, Microbiology.
10.Packing: 25kg Fiber Drums.
Quality Standard of Lactoferrin
Product: Heme Iron Polypeptide (2% Iron Content)
| Item | Specification | Result |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black powder | Conforms |
| Odor | Characteristic (Slight meaty) | Conforms |
| Total Iron (Fe) | ≥ 2.0% | 2.15% |
| Heme Iron Ratio | ≥ 95% of Total Iron | 98% |
| Protein (Peptides) | ≥ 60.0% | 65.4% |
| Moisture | ≤ 5.0% | 3.2% |
| Ash | ≤ 8.0% | 5.5% |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 1.0 ppm | Conforms |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1.0 ppm | Conforms |
| Microbiology | Total Plate Count < 1000 cfu/g | < 100 cfu/g |
| Pathogens | Salmonella / E.Coli Negative | Negative |
(Note: We also supply Pure Heme Iron 8% for higher potency requirements.)
Method of Analysis of Lactoferrin
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) & Colorimetry
• Total Iron: Measured via AAS.
• Heme Iron Identity: We use specific chemical reactions (e.g., Pyridine hemochromogen method) to confirm the iron is bound in the Heme structure and not just added inorganic iron (adulteration check).
Reference Chromatogram of Lactoferrin Reference Substance
(Not typical for Heme). We provide an Absorption Spectrum. Heme Iron exhibits a characteristic Soret band absorption at 400-420 nm, distinguishing it from free iron salts.
Stability and Safety
Stability Studies
• Light/Heat: Heme iron is relatively stable but can oxidize over long periods.
• Shelf Life: 24 months.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light.
Safety & Handling (MSDS Summary)
• Classification: Non-hazardous food ingredient.
• Safety: Safe for long-term use. Low toxicity risk compared to accidental overdose of iron salts.
• Handling: Dark powder stains surfaces easily.
Customer Comments
Product Manager, Maternal Health Brand (USA)
2026.03.17
★★★★☆
R&D Director, Supplement Co. (Germany)
2026.03.17
★★★★☆
Our Certificates
Our Clients
Exhibitions
• Vitafoods Europe (Geneva)
• SupplySide West (Las Vegas)
• CPHI Worldwide (Pharma Ingredients)
CPHI & PMEC China 2025
CAC 24th
FIC Shanghai
FIC2024
CPHI Korea
SupplySideWEST Las Vegas
SupplySideWEST 2023
Vitafoods Europe Switzerland
Wagri Guangzhou
In-Cosmetics Global
SupplySide West (Las Vegas)
SupplySide West (Las Vegas)
CAC Shanghai
CPHI & PMEC 2024
CPHI & PMEC China Shanghai
CPHI 2025
CPHI 2024
CPHI 2023
FIC 2022
FIC 2023
Vitafoods Europe (Geneva)
CPhI Worldwide
FAQ
What is the difference between Heme Iron and Ferrous Sulfate?
• Heme Iron: Natural source, absorbed via Heme receptor (~25% rate), no side effects, expensive. • Ferrous Sulfate: Synthetic, absorbed via DMT1 (~3-5% rate), causes constipation/nausea, cheap.
Is it Halal?
Yes, our Bovine source Heme Iron is Halal certified. We also have Porcine source (cheaper) for non-Halal markets. Please specify your requirement.
Does it taste metallic?
It has a slight "meaty" or blood-like taste but lacks the sharp, metallic astringency of iron salts. In capsules or chocolate-flavored chews, the taste is easily masked.
References
1.Young, I., et al. (2010). Heme iron polypeptide for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients. Clinical Nephrology.
2.Nam, M. S., et al. (2006). Bioavailability of heme iron polypeptide in rats. Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering.
3.West, A. R., & Oates, P. S. (2008). Mechanisms of heme iron absorption: current questions and controversies. World Journal of Gastroenterology.
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