What is Ferrous Gluconate (Ferro Gluconate · Iron Gluconate)?
Iron(II) gluconate (ferrous gluconate, CAS 299-29-6) is the iron(II) salt of gluconic acid. It is water-soluble, a classic, and well-tolerated oral iron source; due to its low elemental content, gastrointestinal side effects are often milder. It is also registered in the EU as food additive E579.
- Molecular formula: C₁₂H₂₂FeO₁₄
- CAS number: 299-29-6
- Form: Powder or Granules
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Iron(II) gluconate contains approximately ~12% elemental iron by weight (NIH ODS); compared to ferrous sulfate (20%), the ratio is lower, requiring a higher salt mass to provide equivalent iron.
What is Ferro Gluconate · Iron Gluconate Used For? Why is it Used?
Iron gluconate is a well-tolerated, water-soluble, and cost-effective classic ferrous iron source; the low elemental iron per tablet may reduce side effects in some individuals. Its moderate bioavailability and recognition as E579 make it a reliable option for both supplements and food applications.
Main areas of use: Liquid Foods, Powder Formulations, Beverage Supplements, Dairy Products, Bread and Flour, Creams, Baby Foods, Fruit Juices.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Water-soluble ferrous salt: It is a water-soluble ferrous (Fe²⁺) salt; it is better absorbed in oral supplements compared to ferric forms.
- Bioavailability: It is at a moderate level; the absorption mechanism is similar to ferrous sulfate, but due to the lower elemental content, a higher salt amount is required to provide the same amount of iron.
- Gastrointestinal tolerance: Due to the low elemental iron per tablet and less free iron, complaints may be milder in some patients compared to ferrous sulfate.
- Ferrous (Fe²⁺) form: The iron in gluconate is in the ferrous state; it provides higher solubility and absorption compared to ferric salts.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Food additive E579: It is an authorized food additive in the EU under number E579; its main use is as a color stabilizer in olives darkened by oxidation (max. 150 mg/kg in olives in the EU).
- Fortifying iron source: It is an authorized iron source for enriching foods and supplements; its water-soluble nature is an advantage.
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 (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 DETERMINED a numerical UL for iron; in the 2024 opinion, a 'safe intake level' of 40 mg/day was defined for adults. Supplement upper limits vary by country.
- Turkish legislation (TSEK): The TR Regulation permits iron supplements; ferrous gluconate is among the authorized iron sources (E579). A specific daily limit for this salt could not be verified from the official text (not fabricated).
Excessive iron is toxic; iron-containing supplements should be kept out of reach of children.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | 11.80% - 12.50% |
| Appearance | Greenish Yellow or Grey Powder or Granules |
| 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 examining the absorption/bioavailability comparison of ferrous salts.
- PubMed 23444716 — Baking trials evaluating the enrichment of wheat flour and corn flour with different iron compounds.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Ferrous Gluconate.
References
- ods.od.nih.gov
- efsa.europa.eu
- efsa.europa.eu
- foodadditives.net
- 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 aim to diagnose or treat diseases.