Bifera FAQ

• What is Bifera?

  Bifera is a dual action iron supplement made from natural ingredients that contains two forms of iron, heme iron as heme iron polypeptide (HIP) and polysaccharide iron complex (PIC), a non-heme source of iron.

• What makes Bifera different from all other iron supplements?

  Unlike other supplements, Bifera is the ONLY iron supplement that contains a unique dual iron formula with Heme Iron Polypeptide (HIP) and Polysaccharide Iron Complex (PIC). Together, heme iron and non-heme iron work synergistically to restore the body’s iron stores without the usual side effects associated with oral iron supplementation such as constipation and nausea.^9,10 Because HIP and PIC iron are absorbed by different mechanisms, a supplement containing both forms of iron allows for maximum absorption.⁶

• Who should take Bifera?

  Bifera is recommended for men, women, iron deficient individuals, individuals seeking to boost energy and those concerned about upset stomach and other side effects common with other iron supplements.

   

  Specific patient types include:

  • Women of child bearing age

  • Patients with chronic disease

  • Bariatric patients

  • Elderly patients

• Do I need a prescription to purchase Bifera.

  No. Bifera is the ONLY iron supplement available over the counter that contains both heme and non-heme iron.

• Where can I purchase Bifera?

  Click here for a full list of retailers

• How often should I take Bifera?

  Bifera may be taken once daily, unless otherwise directed by your healthcare practitioner.

• Why is maintaining a healthy iron level important?

  Iron is essential for healthy red blood cells. Ironis part of the hemoglobin molecule that gives red blood cells (RBC) their color. When oxygen moves from your lungs into the blood, hemoglobin 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 may become anemic and you feel tired, weak, and irritable.

• Should Bifera be taken with food?

  Bifera may be taken with or without food and does not require Vitamin C or an acidic stomach for absorption. Additionally, HIP is not impacted by concomitant phytate, tannin, phosphate or Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) use. ⁵

• What is the difference between heme and non-heme iron?

  There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and non-heme.
  Heme Iron is absorbed very efficiently and is found in meat, fish, and poultry. Non-heme iron is found in plants such as lentils and beans and is not as well absorbed as heme iron. Maximum absorption is enhanced when both heme and non-heme iron are taken together. Bifera is the only iron supplement available over the counter, that provides both heme and non-heme iron in a single, small pill.

• How does Bifera work?

  
  Maximum iron absorption is only possible when two different forms of
  iron – heme and non-heme – are taken together. The illustration above
  shows how these two types of iron may be absorbed through different
  mechanisms in the small intestine, enabling maximum absorption of iron,
  thus helping replete iron stores and restore energy.* Unlike any other iron
  supplement available over the counter, Bifera provides both heme and nonheme
  iron in a single, small pill.

• What are the most common symptoms associated with low iron?

  The most common symptoms associated with low iron are fatigue, paleness and irritability. Bifera helps in energy production by increasing iron levels though restoring your body’s hemoglobin levels.^3,4

• How much iron does Bifera contain?

  Bifera contains a total of 28mg of iron. Bifera contains 22mg as PIC (polysaccharide iron complex) and 6mg as HIP (heme iron polypeptide as Proferrin®).

• Why does Bifera contain two different forms of iron?

  HIP and PIC iron work together for optimal absorption. Recent studies show that the heme iron found in Bifera offers 23 times greater absorption than other iron supplements² and that heme iron may be as effective as intravenous iron, making it a much less expensive alternative to a treatment that currently has limited to no reimbursement.

  A clinical research study found that heme iron in combination with non-heme iron work synergistically to increase iron absorption up to 40%.^1,2,3

• What is iron deficiency anemia?

  Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues, giving your body energy.

  As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen. As a result, iron deficiency anemia may leave you tired, weak and pale.

  You can usually correct iron deficiency anemia with iron supplementation.⁷

• What testing methods might my healthcare practitioner use to screen me for iron deficiency anemia?

  Blood tests are commonly used to identify (IDA)

  • Hematocrit

  • Percentage of blood volume made up of red blood cells and hemoglobin

  • Hemoglobin

  • Measures the amount of hemoglobin in the blood

  • Normal levels 11.0 – 15.0 (g/dL) ¹¹

  • Ferritin

  • Measures the protein that helps store iron in the body

   

• What causes iron deficiency?

  Iron deficiency is usually due to:

  • Lack of iron in diet

  •  Blood loss

  • Menstrual bleeding

  • Chronic blood loss

  • Kidney or bladder tumor

  • Colon polyp

  • Colorectal cancer

• What are risk factors that may increase iron deficiency anemia?

  • Heavy menstrual periods

  • Pregnancy

  • A diet consistently low in iron

  • A known or hidden source of bleeding within your body, such as an ulcer, a bleeding tumor, a uterine fibroid, a colon polyp, colorectal cancer or gastrointestinal bleeding ⁸

   

• Do I need to take Vitamin C with Bifera?

  No. Unlike other iron supplements, Bifera may be taken with or without food and does not require Vitamin C or an acidic stomach for absorption.

   

• Can Bifera be taken with acid reducing medications or Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI)?

  Yes. Bifera can be taken with acid reducing medications and Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) use.

   

• Will Bifera cause constipation?

  Bifera contains two forms of iron for maximum absorption without causing uncomfortable side effects such as constipation and nausea.

   

• Do I need to take a stool softener with Bifera?

  No. The heme iron found in Bifera does not cause constipation.
  Therefore, Bifera does not need to be combined with a stool softener.

   

• Does Bifera contain Gluten?

  No. Bifera is Gluten-free.

   

• Why is the price point higher for Bifera?

  Bifera is sold at a higher price point due to its unique ingredients, including heme, a protein-based type of iron that is time and resource intensive to acquire. That said, the possible effectiveness of Bifera may require people to purchase/use less of the supplement.

   

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