What is Ferrous Bisglycinate (Highly Bioavailable Mineral)?
Ferrous bisglycinate (ferro bisglycinate) is a stable chelate compound formed by one iron(II) ion and two glycine molecules (CAS 20150-34-9). Thanks to its amino acid chelate structure, it is largely protected from stomach acid and absorption inhibitors such as phytates and polyphenols. It has been evaluated by FAO/WHO JECFA as an iron source for supplementation and fortification purposes.
- Molecular formula: C₄H₈FeN₂O₄
- CAS number: 20150-34-9
- Form: Powder / Chelated Ferrous Bisglycinate
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Ferrous bisglycinate chelate contains approximately 20% elemental iron by weight; ~36.5 mg ≈ 10 mg elemental iron. Labels declare elemental iron content.
What is Ferrous Bisglycinate (Highly Bioavailable Mineral) Used For? Why is it Used?
Thanks to its amino acid chelate structure, ferrous bisglycinate offers high bioavailability and significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects; it is preferred for effective iron support at lower doses in individuals who cannot tolerate classic iron salts (especially sulfate). Its resistance to phytates and polyphenols provides absorption advantages even in mixed meals.
Main areas of use: Blood Formation, Prevention of Hair Loss, Dietary Supplements, Energy Support, Pregnancy Period, Mineral Deficiency, Prevention of Diarrhea.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Chelate (amino acid) form: Unlike ionic salts, it is an iron(II) form chelated with glycine; it shows higher bioavailability because it can be absorbed in the small intestine via both inorganic iron and dipeptide/amino acid transport pathways.
- Bioavailability: Its absorption in aqueous environments is significantly higher compared to ferrous sulfate; studies have reported that bisglycinate at ¼–½ the dose of ferrous sulfate shows similar effects.
- Gastrointestinal tolerance: It causes significantly fewer side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and metallic taste compared to ferrous sulfate; it provides efficacy at lower doses.
- Ferrous (Fe²⁺) form: The iron in bisglycinate is in the ferrous (Fe²⁺) form; it is preferred in supplements compared to ferric (Fe³⁺) forms, which have lower solubility and bioavailability.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Flour and cereal fortification: It can be used in flour/cereal fortification as a fortifying iron source with low tendency to cause sensory issues and high bioavailability.
- Approved iron source: Evaluated by JECFA, recognized with GRAS status by the US FDA; it is listed among the iron sources allowed in food supplements in the EU.
- Sensory advantage: Since the chelate structure limits free iron ions, it triggers less lipid oxidation and color/flavor deterioration compared to ferrous sulfate.
Effects on Health
Iron is a mineral that plays a role in many fundamental functions in the body. The main functions authorized/evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA):
- Red blood cells and hemoglobin: Iron contributes to the formation of normal red blood cells and hemoglobin (EFSA).
- Oxygen transport: Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport (EFSA).
- Reduction of fatigue: Iron contributes to the reduction of fatigue and tiredness (EFSA).
- Immunity: Iron contributes to the normal function of the immune system (EFSA).
- Cognitive function: Iron contributes to normal cognitive function (EFSA).
- Energy metabolism and cell division: Iron contributes to normal energy metabolism and plays a role in cell division (EFSA).
Usage Limits in Dietary Supplements
- Nutrient Reference Value (NRV): Iron NRV is 14 mg (1169/2011).
- Tolerable Upper Intake Level (EFSA): EFSA has NOT established a numerical UL for iron; in its 2024 opinion, a 'safe intake level' of 40 mg/day for adults (including pregnant/lactating women) was defined (for fortified foods + supplements). Supplement upper limits vary by country.
- Turkish legislation (TSE/Regulations): The TR Regulation permits iron supplements; ferro bisglycinate is compatible with EU-approved iron sources. The exact maximum daily iron amount specific to this salt could not be verified from the official Regulation text (no fabrication).
Excessive iron is toxic; iron supplements are among the leading causes of accidental poisoning in children and should be kept out of reach of children.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | 97.0 - 102.0% |
| Appearance | Fine particle, free-flowing powder, light brownish-gray to greenish-gray color |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Water Soluble |
Scientific Studies
The following independent researches relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (evidence levels are indicated):
- PubMed 11688077 — Study evaluating the bioavailability of ferrous bisglycinate chelate in aqueous environments.
- PubMed 24152889 — Randomized study showing that 25 mg of iron from ferrous bisglycinate in pregnancy is as effective as 50 mg of iron from ferrous sulfate.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Ferrous Bisglycinate.
References
- efsa.europa.eu
- efsa.europa.eu
- ods.od.nih.gov
- resmigazete.gov.tr
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The usage and health information on this page has been compiled from official legislation/institution sources (EFSA, NIH ODS, Turkish Food Codex, EUR-Lex) and independent scientific publications (PubMed). The product is a food supplement/food raw material; it does not intend to diagnose or treat diseases.