GRADUMET: Innovation to Enhance Iron Absorption

Iron deficiency anemia is a global health concern. Gradumet technology, with its unique extended-release mechanism, has opened a new frontier in treating this condition. This article provides an in-depth look into the mechanism of Gradumet, its outstanding advantages over traditional treatments, and its potential future applications.

Among the various types of anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent, caused by insufficient iron intake to meet the body’s demands. Individuals with mild or moderate IDA may not show any signs or symptoms. However, severe IDA can result in fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Without treatment, IDA can lead to life-threatening severe anemia.

Iron Absorption and GRADUMET ® Technology

Iron supplementation is necessary for treating IDA. However, many existing products on the market are associated with common side effects of iron, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain, making them inconvenient for users.

Gradumet® is a unique pharmaceutical technology developed to improve the body’s ability to absorb iron while minimizing the common side effects associated with traditional iron supplements. This technology has been applied to several iron supplement products, enabling users to absorb iron efficiently without gastrointestinal issues.

How Gradumet® Technology Works?

Gradumet® technology employs an extended-release system that enables the gradual release of iron in the gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, Abbott’s bilayer film-coated tablets (Iberet® Active and Iberet®-Folic 500) are manufactured using Gradumet® technology, improving iron absorption and reducing stomach irritation through the following mechanisms:

- Immediate-release vitamin layer: Released in the stomach to facilitate iron absorption.
- Iron layer with controlled release in the duodenum: Optimized for absorption due to the presence of vitamins. This layer consists of:

1. 1. Tablet coating: Specially designed to resist stomach acid, protecting the iron particles inside.
  2. Iron granules: Encased in a unique polymer coating to enable slow and consistent release in the small intestine.
  3. Small intestine absorption: The primary site for iron absorption. The gradual release of iron granules enhances absorption efficiency and minimizes gastric mucosal irritation.

Gradumet® technology mechanism

Advantages of Gradumet® Technology

- Enhanced Iron Absorption: Gradual and consistent iron release in the small intestine maximizes absorption.
- Reduced Gastric Irritation: Controlled iron release minimizes direct contact with gastric mucosa, alleviating symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
- Improved Treatment Adherence: Reduced side effects make it easier for patients to continue using the product over the long term, ensuring effective anemia treatment.

Application of Gradumet® Technology

Gradumet® technology is widely applied in iron supplementation products, particularly for individuals prone to gastric irritation when using iron. Notable products utilizing Gradumet® technology include:

- Iberet® Active: SA combination of iron and essential vitamins for comprehensive supplementation.
- Ferro-Grad C: A formulation of iron and vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.

Additional Information on Iron Deficiency Anemia:

Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to its tissues. It can be temporary or chronic, ranging from mild to severe. There are five main types of anemia:

1. Aplastic Anemia: A serious condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, leading to fatigue, susceptibility to infections, and bleeding.
2. Iron Deficiency Anemia: Occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to meet the demands of red blood cell production.
3. Sickle Cell Anemia: A genetic disorder caused by a mutation that results in crescent-shaped red blood cells. These cells are prone to rupture and can block blood vessels, leading to severe complications.
4. Thalassemia: A hereditary disorder involving abnormal hemoglobin production. Abnormal hemoglobin leads to premature red blood cell destruction, causing anemia.
5. Vitamin Deficiency Anemia: Results from insufficient intake of essential vitamins (folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin C) required for healthy red blood cell production.