heme iron polypeptide (Ahmadi Hospital)

Optifer is an oral heme-bound iron (heme-iron) preparation, specifically a heme iron polypeptide, used for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), including pregnancy-associated IDA. Unlike traditional inorganic iron salts such as ferrous sulfate, which are absorbed via the divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) and often cause gastrointestinal irritation, Optifer is absorbed through the Heme Carrier Protein-1 (HCP-1) in the intestinal epithelium. This mechanism typically results in superior bioavailability and a lower incidence of side effects like nausea and constipation. Clinical studies, including those conducted in Kuwait and Kazakhstan, have demonstrated its efficacy in significantly improving hemoglobin and ferritin levels, often showing comparable results to intravenous iron treatments with better patient compliance.

Brand names

Optifer

Other names

heme iron polypeptideheme-bound iron