About this ingredient
Iron Polypeptide, usually referring to Heme Iron Polypeptide, is an animal-derived iron ingredient produced from hemoglobin. The iron is incorporated into a heme structure associated with hemoglobin-derived peptides.
Heme iron differs from conventional non-heme iron salts because it is supplied in the same general chemical form of iron found naturally in animal foods such as meat. Heme and non-heme iron also have different absorption mechanisms in the digestive tract.
Commercial heme iron polypeptide products commonly provide approximately 10–33 mg of iron per serving, although the amount varies considerably by product. NIH's Dietary Supplement Label Database includes products listing 10.5 mg and 33 mg of iron from heme iron polypeptide.
Clinical research has investigated heme iron polypeptide as an oral iron source, including studies in people with iron-deficiency anemia and chronic kidney disease. Results from individual studies should not be generalized to every HIP product.