The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, named BNT162b2, and known as Comirnaty in the European Union, is a two-dose mRNA vaccine developed by two pharmaceutical companies: Pfizer in the United States and BioNTech in Germany. In December 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO) authorized the vaccine for emergency use in individuals aged 16 years and older, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive emergency use authorization by either organization. The vaccine is currently approved in 90 countries.
How does this vaccine work?
When you get vaccinated, you are usually given either a weakened or a dead part of the virus, or the bacteria that causes an illness. In this way, the vaccine does not make you ill, but your body recognizes that it is a foreign element and it mounts an immune response. This means that when your body comes across the real bug that causes that illness, it will be ready to attack it straight away.
The way this vaccine works is called mRNA, meaning that you are not actually being injected with parts of the virus or a weakened form of it, but you are actually being administered with a part of the genetic code of the coronavirus. This tricks the body into producing some of the viral proteins itself so that the immune system then detects these proteins and starts to produce a defensive response to them.
Why Iron is important for COVID-19 Patients?
Studies have shown that in COVID-19 patients, inflammation can lead to an alternation of iron hemostasis and reduced intestinal iron absorption, resulting in the reduced availability of the metal for erythropoiesis and the production of hemoglobin (Hb). Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, an erythrocyte (red blood cell) protein that transfers oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
What is Maltofer?
Maltofer is an over-the-counter oral iron supplement for the treatment of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents where the use of ferrous iron supplements is not tolerated or is otherwise inappropriate. Many people do not get enough iron from their diet, which can lead to low iron levels.
Maltofer is clinically proven to correct iron levels. Maltofer has fewer gastrointestinal side effects and is less likely to cause constipation compared to ferrous iron supplements. This means less constipation, less nausea, and an effective dose of iron. It’s the kind of iron deficiency treatment many have been waiting for. Maltofer is manufactured in Switzerland and is available in more than 80 countries around the globe.
Can I take Maltofer with the Pfizer vaccine?
Yes, you can take Maltofer with Pfizer vaccine as no adverse interactions between iron supplements and the Pfizer vaccine have been reported. In addition, studies have shown that therapeutically optimizing serum iron levels can improve vaccination efficacy.
Research has also shown that vaccine efficacy could be compromised in people who have iron deficiency and anemia, further affecting their health. The potential effects of iron deficiency on the quality, magnitude, and duration of the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines are currently being investigated.
How is Maltofer taken?
You should always take Maltofer exactly as your medical practitioner or pharmacist has instructed. Consult with them if you are unsure.
• For treatment of iron deficiency in adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and over), take 1-2 tablets or 10-20 mL of syrup (100-200 mg iron) daily, preferably with food.
• For prevention of iron deficiency in high-risk adults and adolescents (aged 12 years and over), take 1 tablet or 10 mL of syrup (100 mg iron) daily, preferably with food.
Higher doses may be taken as directed by your medical practitioner.
