Hematological applications

Iron is a trace element essential to life for all vertebrates, for it is a key component of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein consisting of four heme groups, each of which containing one iron(II) ion. One oxygen molecule can reversibly bind with this iron ion, which makes hemoglobin the ideal oxygen transport molecule for humans and also many animals. In the case of iron deficiency, the blood can no longer fully perform this essential task.

Iron deficiency anemia is by far the most common blood disorder. According to the WHO, around 2 billion people worldwide are affected by iron deficiency anemia, particularly in Southern Asia. In India, for example, 88 % of pregnant women and 74 % of non-pregnant women are iron deficient. Even the traditional industrialized countries have this problem, as depending on age group up to 20 % of the population are deficient in iron, especially children. Among pregnant women, this percentage rises to nearly 23 %³⁰.

Iron deficiency can be treated relatively simply, by introducing iron supplements to the body. Very fine iron powder was used for this purpose in the past, which is the substance our company produced already around 130 years ago when our history began, back in 1886. Today, inorganic and organic iron salts are primarily used.

Our portfolio includes a broad range of iron salts with varying degrees of bioavailability and tolerance, e.g. Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Gluconate, in various pharmaceutical grades and with different physical and chemical characteristics (including micronized, direct compressible and microencapsulated) for use in medicinal iron supplementation.

• Ferrous Sulfate
• Ferrous Fumarate
• Ferrous Gluconate
• Ferric Ammonium Citrate
• Ferrous Bisglycinate
• Iron Polymaltose

The human body holds a normal pH of between 7.38 and 7.42³¹. Deviations from this range are known as alkalosis or acidosis. A protein-rich diet – e.g. a lot of meat – combined with a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables, can lead to systemic over-acidification of the body. The metabolization of sulfur-containing amino acids produces metabolic acid that lowers the body's pH¹. However, diabetic ketoacidosis can also trigger massive, potentially life-threatening over-acidification.

Acidosis can be successfully treated through either the oral or intravenous administration of buffering mineral salts, in the form of pills, chewable tablets, effervescent tablets or infusion solutions. We produce the appropriate salts with many different properties and according to numerous international pharmacopoeias. Furthermore, we produce salts for intravenous administration in specially low-endotoxin grades.

• Trisodium Citrate
• Tricalcium Citrate
• Tripotassium Citrate
• Trimagnesium Citrate
• Calcium Carbonate
• Magnesium Carbonate
• Sodium Carbonate
• Potassium Bicarbonate

The aggregation of thrombocytes is an important function of the blood, and when functioning properly ensures rapid healing of wounds. However, pathological disorders such as arterial occlusive disease, a heart attack or stroke can make it necessary to reduce the tendency of thrombocytes to aggregate. In addition to the appropriate medication, magnesium can also significantly lower thrombocyte cohesion and adhesion³².

During the apparative treatment of blood during hemodialysis, Sodium Citrate is used to hinder coagulation in the extracorporeal circuit. Find out more here.

Many steps of treatment and preparation of blood for plasma fractionation are dependent on pH. The pH of the blood plasma being processed can for example be adjusted with the aid of Ammonium Sulfate and Monosodium Phosphate⁷.

A slightly acidic milieu can be achieved with Sodium Acetate. This is essential for the isolation of immunoglobulin G⁷. You can find out more about mineral salts for blood plasma fractionation here.

We manufacture and supply mineral salts for use as anticoagulants and for the apparative treatment of human blood in accordance with international pharmacopoeias, in various pharmaceutical grades and in especially low-endotoxin grades.