Hematogen Softgels

Ferrous fumarate (66 mg elemental iron) USP................... 200 mg

Ascorbic acid USP.................................................................. 250 mg

Desiccated stomach powder................................................... 100 mg

(Contains: Intrinsic factor),

Cyanocobalamin USP...............................................................10 mcg

DISCUSSION: The amount of elemental iron and the absorption of the iron components of commercial iron preparations vary widely. It is further established that certain "accessory components" may be included to enhance absorption and utilization of iron. Hematogen™ Capsules are formulated to provide the essential factors for a complete, versatile hematinic.

HIGH ELEMENTAL IRON CONTENT: Ferrous fumarate, used in Hematogen™ Capsules, is an organic iron complex which has the highest elemental iron content of any hematinic salt-33%. This compares with 20% for ferrous sulfate (heptahydrate) and 13% for ferrous gluconate.  Hematogen™ contains 66 mg of elemental iron.

MORE COMPLETE ABSORPTION: It has been repeatedly shown that ascorbic acid, when given in sufficient amounts, can increase the absorption of ferrous iron from the gastrointestinal tract. The absorption promoting effect is mainly due to the reducing action of ascorbic acid within the gastro intestinal lumen, which helps to prevent or delay the formation of insoluble or less dissociated  ferric compounds.

Iron absorption has been shown to increase sharply with increasing amounts of ascorbic acid, showing a gain in absorption of approximately 40% at 250 mg. Above 250 mg, the gain becomes insignificant, with an additional gain of only approximately 8% at 500 mg. Each Hematogen™ Capsule contains 250 mg of ascorbic acid, believed to be the optimal amount.

PROMOTES MOVEMENT OF PLASMA IRON: Ascorbic acid also plays an important role in the movement of plasma iron to storage depots in the tissues . The action, which leads to the transport of plasma iron to ferritin, presumably involves its reducing effect; converting transferrin iron from 5 the ferric to the ferrous state. There is also evidence that ascorbic acid improves iron utilization,

presumably as a further result of its reducing action , and some evidence that it may have a direct effect upon erythropoiesis. Ascorbic acid is further alleged to enhance the conversion of folic acid to a more physiologically active form, folinic acid. which would make it even more important in the 11 treatment of anemia since it would aid in the utilization of dietary folic acid.

EXCELLENT ORAL TOLERATION: Ferrous fumarate is used in Hematogen™ Capsules because it is less likely to cause the gastric disturbances so often associated with oral iron therapy. Ferrous fumarate has a low ionization constant and high solubility in the entire pH range of the gastrointestinal tract.

It does not precipitate proteins or have the astringency of more ionizable forms of iron, and does not interfere with proteolytic or diastatic activities of the digestive system. Because of excellent oral toleration, Hematogen™ Capsules can usually be administered between meals when iron absorption is maximal.

FACILITATES ABSORPTION OF VITAMIN B12 : It is now known that "Intrinsic Factor" is essential for the  adequate alimentary absorption of vitamin B. The inclusion of desiccated stomach powder 12 with oral vitamin B will furnish sufficient intrinsic factor to assure absorption of the vitamin 12

only

TOXICITY: Ferrous fumarate was found to be the least toxic of three popular oral iron salts, with an oral LD50 of 630 mg/kg. In the same report, the LD50 of ferrous gluconate was reported to be 320 mg/kg and ferrous sulfate 230 mg/kg.

Hemochromatosis and hemosiderosis are contraindications to iron therapy.