Heme iron from meat is the most bioavailable and easily absorbed form of dietary iron, with an absorption rate that is five times higher than non-heme iron. Heme iron supplements from bovine sources have been safely used for over 20 years without any serious side effects or cases of iron poisoning reported, and the uptake of heme iron is not affected by other foods, drinks, or medications taken, making it ideal for long-term supplementation of chronic iron deficiencies.