Calcium is the only nutrient that has been clinically shown to reduce the absorption of heme iron from food.
Heme iron is found in meat, poultry, seafood, and fish. Animal proteins contain hemoglobin and myoglobin, and this heme iron is very readily absorbed by the body... especially in hemochromatosis. Normally, 20-30% of heme iron is absorbed from a meal. In those of us with hereditary hemochromatosis, absorption is up to 4 times greater- meaning 80-100% of heme iron can be absorbed from a meal! Of all the iron-blockers out there, only calcium has been demonstrated to block heme iron absorption.
In fact, calcium is a potent enough iron inhibitor that many nutritional educators warn people with iron deficiency to avoid this powerful mineral at iron-rich meals (so that they avoid iron-deficiency anemia)! Fortunately for those of us on the opposite end of the iron spectrum with hemochromatosis, calcium is ideal to combine with meals that contain iron. This unique heme iron blocking effect sets calcium apart from the crowd. Heme iron is most readily absorbed by the body as well as the most likely form of iron to contribute to the symptoms and consequences of hemochromatosis.
This calcium supplement provides a well-tolerated, easy-to-absorb source of calcium in a convenient capsule. Keep these capsules with you to take as needed during an iron-rich meal. The calcium in Hemochromatosis Help's Calcium Complex comes from all natural Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate ("MCHC"). MCHC is significantly more absorbable compared to many other forms of calcium (such as calcium carbonate).
Hemochromatosis Help's Calcium Complex is a well-researched, standardized extract from one of the world's safest premium sources of bone: free-range New Zealand cattle. MCHC is also very safe and easy to digest and does not produce intestinal discomfort, constipation, or gas like some other forms of calcium.
For individuals with hemochromatosis, the Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate form of calcium has yet another benefit. MCHC is also a source of the mineral phosphorous. Studies have shown that in combination with calcium, phosphorous reduces iron absorption from meals. Plus, MCHC calcium is an excellent way to support bone health (which is frequently compromised in hemochromatosis).
The heme iron blocking abilities of calcium in combination with the non-heme iron blocking abilities of phosphorous make this supplement an excellent choice for reducing iron absorption!
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