heme

noun

ˈhēm 

: the deep red iron-containing prosthetic group C₃₄H₃₂N₄O₄Fe of hemoglobin and myoglobin

Examples of heme in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Seafood like oysters and clams are rich in both heme and non-heme forms of dietary iron that support hair growth. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 7 Aug. 2023

It is usually recommended to take a supplement in the form of ferrous, or heme, iron. —Casey Seiden, Parents, 26 Feb. 2024

Pairing iron-rich plant foods with heme iron sources found in meat, poultry, and fish can also optimize overall absorption. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 12 Dec. 2023

With its advanced formula based on heme iron, Simply Heme provides a more efficient way for the body to absorb and use iron. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 Aug. 2023

Iron found in food comes in two different forms: heme and nonheme. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022

There are two types of iron found in foods: heme and non-heme iron. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2021

Unfortunately, those unfinished heme precursors are toxic, especially to nerve cells. —Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, 6 Oct. 2016

The mutation affects an enzyme involved in turning compounds called porphyrins and porphyrin precursors into heme, which makes up hemoglobin, the iron-containing red protein in blood responsible for transporting oxygen. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 28 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from hematin

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

heme

noun

ˈhēm 

: a deep red pigment that contains iron and is obtained from hemoglobin

Medical Definition

heme

noun

variants or chiefly British haem

ˈhēm 

: the deep red iron-containing prosthetic group C₃₄H₃₂N₄O₄Fe of hemoglobin and myoglobin that is a ferrous derivative of protoporphyrin and readily oxidizes to hematin or hemin

called also protoheme