FerroBCD Complex

FerroBCD Complex was created by combining ferro bisglycinate, vitamin B group, Vitamin C and vitamin D for efficient iron replacement, high bioavailability, which is easily absorbed and well tolerated.

Anemia is widespread, but sometimes difficult to detect because the early signs (symptoms) are very mild. Therefore, it is easily replaced by problems that are seen in other diseases or after using some medications.

Iron is one of the most important minerals necessary for the body to function properly. Iron is necessary in many biological processes, including erythropoiesis (the process of creating red blood cells), oxidative metabolism, energy production and the body’s immune response. Most of the iron in the body is built into hemoglobin (Hb) – a protein responsible for transporting oxygen through the blood to every cell of our body, especially to vital organs – brain, heart, lungs, liver. A small part is present in myoglobin, cellular enzymes and cytochromes. An important role of iron is the creation of myoglobin, a muscle pigment, which transports oxygen to the muscles, providing the energy needed for physical activities. The rest is stored in the liver hepatocytes and in the macrophages of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) – especially in the bone marrow, spleen and liver.

Under physiological conditions, iron is lost daily. Iron is also lost from the body during menstruation and blood loss, such as pathological intestinal bleeding. Daily absorption of 1-2 mg of iron from the intestine maintains the homeostasis of iron under a fine balance. If this balance is disturbed by increased iron needs, limited external iron intake, reduced iron absorption, or higher iron losses, iron deficiency can occur.

It is estimated that almost 20% of the world’s population suffers from iron deficiency. Women with heavy and abnormal menstrual bleeding, pregnant and breastfeeding women, vegetarians and vegans, the elderly population, and athletes are particularly affected. Iron deficiency can also be caused by other conditions in which the need for iron is increased.

Iron deficiency is considered to be the main cause of anemia.

When there is a lack of iron, it is reflected in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells (erythrocytes). Insufficient production of hemoglobin results in insufficient supply of cells and tissues with oxygen and the development of anemia. Although there are a large number of types of anemia, iron deficiency anemia is by far the most common.

Iron deficiency causes: inability to convert T4 (thyroxine) to T3 (triiodothyronine), general weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, lack of energy, headache, rapid breathing, dizziness, tinnitus, irritability, unreasonable anxiety and mood swings, dark circles, pale skin and mucous membranes, increased hair loss, damaged and dry hair and skin, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath during exercise, cold hands and feet, irregular and painful menstruation, loss of libido.

As the anemia worsens, the consequences can become more serious and can lead to: neurological damage, arrhythmia, potential heart failure. Because of all this, the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia should be a priority.

The body is not capable of producing iron on its own, so we must take it through food, oral therapy, intravenous infusions or blood transfusions. Oral iron is the first therapy for most patients and is effective in many cases.

The utilization of iron from food ranges from 2% to 10%, which depends on the genetic and biochemical specifics of the individual, but also on eating habits. Some foods block the absorption of iron in the blood and therefore should not be combined in the diet. It has been proven that phytates from whole grains, calcium, as well as polyphenols from coffee and tea reduce usability, and that vitamin C, copper and folic acid help its absorption.

In 25-50% of patients, adverse reactions of the gastrointestinal tract cause discontinuation of treatment. The absorption of iron from the gastrointestinal tract is blocked by numerous conditions, e.g. inflammation, lack of acid in the stomach either due to gastritis or the use of proton pump inhibitors or in bariatric surgery where the duodenum is bypassed. Even under optimal conditions, absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is limited to 10-20 mg of iron per day, which means that 3-6 months of treatment is often needed to replace iron orally.

All forms of iron should be converted into the ferro (II) form, that is, into the form of iron salt that would easily penetrate the mucous cells. For this reason, bivalent iron salts such as iron sulphate, fumarate, gluconate, succinate, glutamate and lactate are always recommended. These salts have good bioavailability. However, bioavailability is significantly reduced in the presence of some bioinhibitors such as phytates, oxalates, tannins and others that are commonly available in food. Although they are effective and cheap with good bioavailability, ferro salts have disadvantages, and especially frequent gastrointestinal side effects.

Ferrite (III) salts are less recommended than ferrous salts because ferrous ions are first translated in the ferro form in the intestinal lumen and usually reduces the capacity of the absorbed iron, which reduces the dose of iron recommended by the doctor. The bioavailability of iron from ferritic salts is 3-4 times less than from ferrous sulfate.

Ferro bisglycinate as the basic active substance in FerroBCD Complex has the highest absorption compared to all other iron salts. The reason for this is the small and stable form of chelated iron bisglycinate without charge, which does not react with other nutrients. Iron bisglycinate is easily and safely absorbed in the mucous tissue and is invariably absorbed in the intestinal mucosal cells, and then hydrolyzed to its components: iron and glycinate. The solubility of iron from iron bisglycinate does not change with changes in pH. Iron bisglycinate has a relatively high bioavailability in the presence of food inhibitors such as tannins and oxalates and causes minimal stomach upset.

Other active components in FerroBCD Complex have been added in order to achieve the maximum effect of iron replacement, elimination of anemia. Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) helps in the absorption of iron, vitamins B2 (needed to activate vitamin B6 and folic acid), B3, B5, B6 and folic acid are necessary for cell proliferation (multiplication) and the production of red blood cells and hemoglobin as well vitamin D that supports erythropoiesis (the process of erythrocyte formation).