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For individuals with higher iron needs, increasing iron intake can be helpful to ensure adequate levels. This may be relevant during pregnancy, breastfeeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, intense physical activity, or after donating blood. It can also be useful for those who struggle to consume enough iron‑rich foods.
Our supplements are designed to work both as a traditional iron supplement and as a holistic way to support your daily iron intake. They help increase your overall iron consumption, making it easier to meet general nutritional recommendations. This means they can be useful whether or not you have an identified iron deficiency.

Women of reproductive age typically need around 15 mg of iron per day, and many find it challenging to reach that level consistently through diet alone. In those cases, supplementing with Feméa can be a helpful way to support your intake.
Some people notice effects within a few weeks, but it can take 3–6 months to see more substantial results.
Heme iron comes from animal sources and is absorbed more efficiently by the body. Non‑heme iron, found in plant‑based and synthetic sources, has a lower absorption rate and is alot more affected by other foods consumed at the same time. Higher doses of non‑heme iron often cause stomach discomfort because it must be processed in the stomach before absorption. Heme iron, on the other hand, is absorbed directly in the small intestine, which is why many people find it gentler on the digestive syste.
Iron needs vary from person to person. You may require more if you exercise intensively, have heavy menstrual bleeding, donate blood, avoid meat, or generally consume little iron through your diet.

Heme iron has much higher bioavailability than non‑heme iron (the form used in most synthetic supplements), which means the dosages cannot be directly compared. Studies show good results - measured as the actual amount of iron absorbed - with daily intakes of around 5–20 mg of heme iron.
Yes, it is possible to get too much iron. High doses of synthetic non‑heme iron taken at once can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In severe cases, very large amounts may lead to toxicity. Over time, however, the body can reduce the absorption of non‑heme iron if iron stores are already sufficient.

Heme iron is harder to overdose on in the short term because it naturally occurs in lower amounts, and studies suggest there is a saturation point at around 15–20 mg per day, beyond which additional intake is not absorbed. However, consistently consuming excessive amounts of heme iron over a long period may still lead to elevated iron levels, as its absorption is efficient and not regulated in the same way as non‑heme iron. Very high iron levels over time - regardless of the source - can accumulate in the body and, in severe cases, may contribute to organ damage.
Constipation, stomach discomfort, and nausea are common side effects of high doses of non‑heme iron (synthetic iron), as a large portion is not absorbed by the body. The iron that remains in the intestine can irritate the gut lining, influence the intestinal flora, and slow down bowel movements. Heme iron is less likely to cause these issues because it is absorbed more efficiently, meaning less unabsorbed iron stays in the digestive tract.
Yes, there are iron sources that many people find gentler on the stomach. Iron bisglycinate is a synthetically produced form of iron that some people tolerate better than other synthetic iron supplements.

Lower-dose supplements are also often perceived as gentler. Heme iron has higher bioavailability and is absorbed through a different mechanism in the body, which places less strain on the digestive system.

Non-heme iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, but this also increases the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort. For this reason, iron is often recommended to be taken with a small amount of food to be gentler on the stomach, even though absorption may be slightly lower.

Heme iron can be taken at any time and is generally not affected by the diet, except when consumed together with calcium in higher amounts (more than 165 mg). Based on common practice in studies, we usually recommend splitting the intake between morning and evening when the daily amount exceeds 5 to 7 mg.

Studies also show that the meat factor has an effect on heme iron as well, meaning that adding at least 50 grams of meat when taking our heme iron may further enhance absorption.
Yes, these are examples of substances that can reduce the absorption of non-heme iron. In this case, absorption is affected by phytic acid, calcium, and polyphenols - substances that are commonly found in an everyday diet.

Heme iron is affected by calcium, but not by other dietary components.
Foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, peppers, and broccoli, can significantly increase the absorption of non-heme iron.

Meat, fish, and poultry can also enhance iron absorption through the so-called meat factor.

Heme iron, however, is absorbed efficiently regardless of whether vitamin C is present or not.
During pregnancy, blood volume increases significantly, and the fetus needs iron for its growth and development. This means that iron requirements almost double.

Many pregnant women find it difficult to get enough iron from their diet alone, especially during the second and third trimesters, and may therefore need supplements to avoid iron deficiency.
According to the Swedish National Food Agency, the recommended daily intake of iron increases from 15 mg to 26 mg of iron for pregnant women. The greater need is due to the increase in blood volume in the body and the development of the fetus during pregnancy.
Dosage varies depending on the type of iron used and how efficiently it is absorbed by the body. Supplements that have a lower bioavailability often contain a larger amount of iron to be effective. Heme iron, on the other hand, is low-dose as it is simply not more concentrated in its natural forms, but in return, the bioavailability is much higher than for other iron.
Iron is essential for the thyroid gland to function properly. It is needed, among other things, to convert thyroxine (T4) into the active hormone triiodothyronine (T3). Iron deficiency can therefore result in thyroid hormones not being produced or activated in sufficient quantities, which can contribute to fatigue, chills, and other symptoms similar to hypothyroidism.

Iron requirements in children vary depending on age.

Children 7-11 months = 10 mg iron
Children 1-6 years = 7 mg iron
Children 7-10 years = 9 mg iron
Girls 11-14 years old = 13 mg iron
Girls 15-17 years old = 15 mg iron
Boys 11-17 years = 11 mg iron
Children have a high need for iron throughout their childhood, about as much, or more, as an adult male - depending on the child's age.
During adolescence, the need increases more for girls than for boys, and from the age of 15, girls have the same needs as adults, fertile women = 15 mg of iron per day.
Iron is found primarily in meat and in organ and blood foods such as liver and black pudding. It is also found in shellfish. Iron is found in plant foods such as grains, nuts, seeds,
dried fruits, legumes and leafy vegetables.
Yes, heme iron is only found in animal sources.
To ensure healthy cognitive development, the Swedish National Food Agency has established guidelines for the daily iron intake of children based on the current state of research.

The guidelines are considered to cover the iron needs of 95% of the population. To ensure that children are getting enough iron, parents should follow these guidelines.
Yes, studies show that there is a link between iron deficiency and impaired cognitive ability and behavioral disorders in children.

It is therefore important to ensure that children's diets are sufficiently rich in iron, so that iron deficiency never occurs.
No, clinical iron deficiency is not very common among children in Sweden.

It is usually estimated to affect around 10% of children.

However, the Swedish Food Agency’s most recent survey of children’s dietary habits showed that a significant proportion of 1.5-year-olds and 4-year-olds did not meet the average daily iron requirement - that is, the amount of iron that covers the needs of 50% of the population.

Over time, an iron intake that remains below this level may increase the risk of developing iron deficiency if the diet is not sufficiently iron-rich.
Yes, as with many nutrients, it is possible to get too much iron.

Some studies suggest that excessively high iron intake - such as from high-iron infant formula—may be associated with negative effects on cognitive development.

In general, moderation is best. That’s why it’s a good idea to follow the recommendations of the Swedish Food Agency to support normal cognitive development.

It’s also important to remember that iron accumulation is a slow process, and risks rarely arise from short-term or occasional deviations. Some days children may not eat exactly according to guidelines—and that’s usually not a problem. What matters most is providing a sufficiently iron-rich diet over time.

Iron supplements are generally not recommended for children unless iron deficiency has been diagnosed. There is limited evidence that preventive treatment with, for example, iron drops is effective in otherwise healthy children.

However, all healthy children need an iron-rich diet. Our heme iron powder is not an iron supplement, but an iron-enrichment product. It is developed exclusively for healthy children who do not have iron deficiency.

Unlike conventional supplements, the powder consists solely of food-based ingredients and is designed to be used as an ingredient that enriches everyday meals with iron. Our innovation represents a hybrid approach, blurring the traditional boundary between supplements and food.
Iron absorption can be improved by including absorption-enhancing factors in the diet, such as the meat factor - meaning that meals contain meat - as well as vitamin C, which helps increase the absorption of non-heme iron.

It can also be helpful to avoid serving very calcium-rich foods at the same time as iron-rich meals, as calcium may reduce iron absorption.
Yes, calcium can inhibit iron absorption, particularly non-heme iron and, to some extent, heme iron. It is still perfectly fine to serve iron-rich foods together with calcium-rich foods from time to time, but it can be helpful to be aware of this interaction.

Calcium is also an essential mineral for growing children, so both nutrients are important as part of a balanced diet.
Yes. Our heme iron powder has been developed with support from a Swedish iron researcher, based on the current scientific evidence on iron intake in children. Dosage levels and recommended amounts have been designed in line with this guidance to ensure a safe product.

We also work with carefully selected suppliers and use only high-quality ingredients. The facility in Helsingborg where our heme iron powder for children is produced is third-party certified, with a comprehensive food safety management system based on HACCP.

The production site is certified according to IP Livsmedel by Kiwa Inspections, which is a prerequisite for supplying products to pharmacies in Sweden.
mini ferrum heme iron powder contains no additives, gluten, or added sugar.

However, it does contain organic gluten-free oats, which are classified as an allergen.
Then it might be a good idea to enrich selected dishes with our home iron powder. Since it fits in a lot, there is always something you can enrich that can go home to even the more picky. We also have several parents as customers whose children have selective eating disorders and where it has still been successful to provide an iron-rich diet with mini ferrum.
In that case, it may be helpful to enrich selected dishes with our heme iron powder. Because it can be mixed into many different foods, there is often something that works - even for picky eaters.

We also have many parents among our customers whose children have very selective eating habits, and who have found it possible to support an iron-rich diet with heme iron powder.
Yes, it is. You should never overcompensate with iron. It can also be harmful.
Therefore, it is important to have a rough idea of how much iron is in children's diets, so that you can make sure to follow the Swedish National Food Administration's guidelines. These are safe and if you follow the guidelines, there is nothing to worry about.

It’s a new type of iron-enrichment product for children - a heme iron powder developed with support from a Swedish iron researcher. With heme iron powder for children, parents can decide for themselves which foods to enrich with iron, without relying on ultra-processed products or foods containing unwanted ingredients or additives.

Our heme iron powder is gluten-free, contains no added sugar, and is free from additives. It provides natural heme iron from bovine sources - the same form of iron humans have consumed for hundreds of thousands of years and are evolutionarily well adapted to.

Back to basics, simply - with a modern twist.
It is intended for children from around 7 months up to 10 years of age. Children in this age range have a relatively high iron requirement - approximately 7–10 mg per day depending on age - which is comparable to that of an adult man (around 9 mg).

Iron is essential for brain development in children, and an iron-rich diet is important throughout childhood. mini ferrum is a convenient complement that can be easily integrated into everyday meals to increase the intake of natural iron.

It is a practical option for parents who care about their child’s nutrition and cognitive development.
You can mix it into most everyday foods. Parents often use it in their children’s porridge, smoothies, banana pancakes, porridge sticks, and homemade bread to name a few examples.

For more inspiration, you can explore our simple and delicious recipes here.

It has a distinct oat flavor with a hint of lingonberry. Some may also notice a slight metallic taste, which can easily be reduced by mixing the powder into a slightly larger portion of food. We find that most children do not react to any off-flavor at all.
The powder has a shelf life of approximately 12 months from the production date. A best before date is printed on the back of the pouch.

The shelf life is not affected by whether the pouch has been opened, as long as it is kept sealed, dry, and cool. A pantry is a suitable place for storage, just like other dry goods.
Each bag comes with a measuring scoop. The scoop has a volume of 4 ml, slightly less than a teaspoon, and each scoop provides 1 mg of iron.

During transport, the scoop may occasionally sink into the powder. If that happens, it can easily be retrieved with a fork or similar utensil.
If the scoop is missing, please email hej@miniferrum.se, and we will send you a replacement promptly.

Feméa is a holistic range of iron supplements based entirely on heme iron from hemoglobin powder. The concept has been developed with support from Swedish iron research.

The Feméa range makes it possible to boost your daily iron intake with natural heme iron, helping your diet meet your individual iron needs. The heme iron used is the same form of iron that has been a primary dietary source for humans for hundreds of thousands of years and that we are evolutionarily well adapted to.

Back to basics, with a modern approach.
The Feméa range is intended for women of reproductive age, but can be used by anyone who wants to enrich their diet with natural heme iron. Iron supplements may be appropriate during periods of increased need, such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, heavy menstrual bleeding, intense physical activity, or after blood donation.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should always consult a midwife or doctor before use.
Heme iron always comes from animal sources and is absorbed significantly more efficiently by the body than so-called non-heme iron, which is found in plant-based and synthetic sources in various forms. Heme iron is also considered a gentle source of iron.

This is partly due to its higher bioavailability compared to other forms of iron, and partly because it is absorbed through a unique uptake mechanism, likely involving the transport protein Heme Carrier Protein 1 (HCP1).

Other forms of iron must first be broken down in the stomach before they can be absorbed in the small intestine via a different transport protein, DMT1.
Our hemoglobin powder is made from red blood cells from cattle, which are isolated and spray-dried using tempered air (approximately 200°C) to create a fine powder with a naturally high content of heme iron and a long shelf life.

It is a foodtech raw material that helps recover valuable nutrients that would otherwise be lost.
The animals originate from the Netherlands, and we work with a highly certified producer - one of the few in the EU specializing in innovative and renewable raw materials from the meat industry, including hemoglobin powder.

There is currently no certified organic production of hemoglobin powder within the EU. This is because hemoglobin powder is a highly specialized foodtech raw material that is produced from blood collected during meat production, and no dedicated organic supply chain exists for this specific ingredient at present.

The cattle used may come from both conventional and organic farms, provided that all strict EU quality, safety, and traceability requirements are met. Regardless of farming type, the raw material must comply with one of the EU’s most stringent regulatory frameworks for food production.

We strongly support high standards of animal welfare and sustainable farming practices, and we hope to see certified organic production of hemoglobin powder become possible in the future.
No, it does not. For this specific ingredient, organic certification does not result in a higher-quality end product.

Our hemoglobin powder is rigorously tested for pathogens, pesticides, heavy metals, antibiotics, hormones, and other contaminants. When handled correctly, blood is essentially sterile, which results in an exceptionally pure raw material with very high nutritional quality.

Because of its unique nature and production process, hemoglobin powder is one of the very few animal-based raw materials where organic certification does not equal higher quality in the end product.
No, we do not use additives. We do not use fillers, anti-caking agents, or similar substances in our heme iron capsules or heme iron powder. We deliberately avoid unnecessary additives and choose to accept higher production costs to keep our products as clean as possible.

The capsules contain only our hemoglobin powder from bovine sources, and the capsule shell is made from pullulan (not cellulose). Pullulan is a premium capsule material that is well absorbed by the body and offers excellent barrier properties, helping to protect the heme iron from oxidation.

The only additives used anywhere in our range are rapeseed lecithin and the sugar alcohol maltitol, both present in very small amounts in the sugar-free chocolate coating of our heme iron bar.
Feméa heme iron powder can be mixed into a wide variety of foods, such as smoothies, porridge, banana pancakes, homemade bread and rolls, seed and nut crackers, raw balls, and nice cream.

In most cases, it is simply your imagination that sets the limits.
The bars are gluten-free. However, they are coated with a thin layer of sugar-free chocolate that contains a small amount of milk, which means they do contain a minimal amount of lactose. They are therefore not completely lactose-free.

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