Beef Blood and Heme Iron Explained

Written by Jess, Founder of BONEnBLOOM 

This article provides general information and is not medical advice or a diagnosis.

Beef blood capsules are unfamiliar to many people, which is why they require clear, calm education. Red Matrix is described as a grass-fed Tasmanian beef blood product. This article explains dietary heme and non-heme iron; it does not tell a reader whether they need more iron.

Dietary iron occurs as heme iron in animal-source foods and non-heme iron in plant foods, eggs, fortified foods and some animal foods. Heme iron is generally more bioavailable and is less affected by other meal components. Vitamin C can improve non-heme iron absorption, while phytates and some polyphenols can reduce it. Both forms can contribute to dietary iron intake.

Greater absorption does not mean more iron is better or appropriate for everyone. Symptoms cannot establish whether a person needs additional iron. Blood testing and a clinician's assessment can determine whether iron is low and help identify the cause. Red Matrix is not a substitute for testing, diagnosis or medical treatment.

What is heme iron?

Heme is part of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen, and myoglobin, a protein in muscle that binds oxygen. Heme iron is found in animal-source foods. Non-heme iron is found in plant foods, eggs and fortified foods. The distinction describes chemical form and absorption; it is not proof that one product is appropriate for every person.

Heme versus non-heme iron

Heme iron comes from meat, seafood and other animal-source foods. Non-heme iron occurs in plant foods, eggs and fortified foods. Heme iron is generally absorbed more readily, while non-heme absorption varies more with the rest of the meal. Vitamin C can improve non-heme iron absorption; phytates and some polyphenols can reduce it. This does not make plant-based iron sources inferior, and both forms can contribute to a varied diet.

What beef blood contributes

Beef blood naturally contains haemoglobin. For the exact amount and form of iron in a beef blood serving, check the current product label.

Why BONEnBLOOM chose this ingredient

BONEnBLOOM's reasons for choosing beef blood include Tasmanian sourcing, a wholefood ingredient and capsule convenience. 

Beef blood versus beef liver

Beef blood and beef liver are not interchangeable, and neither should be chosen from symptoms alone. Use the comparison as education, not as a symptom-to-product selector → read our article Beef Blood vs Beef Liver

Who should not self-select an iron product?

Do not self-select an iron product if you have not established a reason for additional iron; have haemochromatosis or another iron-loading condition; are receiving treatment for anaemia; are pregnant or breastfeeding; are considering use for a child; or have unexplained blood loss or gastrointestinal symptoms. Speak with a healthcare professional before use. Higher bioavailability does not mean that more is safer.

A responsible product decision

If persistent symptoms have brought you here, arrange a clinical review rather than choosing a product from a checklist. Review your diet, medicines and current supplements; ask whether a full blood count or iron studies are appropriate; investigate the cause if iron is low; and only use an iron product if it is suitable for you. Follow the current label and review ongoing use with a healthcare professional.

Keep exploring

- Read our article: Seven possible signs of low iron 
- Compare Beef Liver & Beef Blood
- Explore our Beef Blood Product: Red Matrix
- Join the free VIP Club for iron-rich recipes & more

Sources and further reading

- NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Iron (Health Professional Fact Sheet)
- Healthdirect — Iron deficiency
- Healthdirect - Iron studies blood test
- Healthdirect - Haemochromatosis 

Important: Persistent fatigue has many possible causes. Do not begin Red Matrix or high-dose iron based on symptoms alone. Seek clinical assessment and appropriate blood testing. Seek urgent care for severe or worsening breathlessness, fainting, chest pain or other acute symptoms.

Fatigue has many possible lifestyle, psychological and physical causes, and Healthdirect recommends medical review where tiredness is persistent or concerning.