What is Ferrous Sulfate (Iron(II) Sulfate Monohydrate · Food Additive and Mineral Supplement)?
Iron(II) sulfate (ferrous sulfate, CAS 7720-78-7) is the most commonly used reference oral iron supplement for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. It is a water-soluble, inexpensive ferro (Fe²⁺) salt with well-documented efficacy. It is also a common source of iron in food fortification (especially flour).
- Molecular formula: FeSO₄·H₂O
- CAS number: 13463-43-9
- Form: Powder / Iron(II) salt
- Quality: Food / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Iron(II) sulfate (anhydrous/dried) contains ~%20 elemental iron; the heptahydrate form has lower elemental iron content due to water.
What is Iron(II) Sulfate Monohydrate · Food Additive and Mineral Supplement Used For? Why is it Used?
Ferrous sulfate is the reference/standard iron source for treating iron deficiency due to its low cost, high solubility, and well-documented efficacy. However, gastrointestinal side effects are more frequent at equivalent doses; while it is an economical and effective option, softer forms such as bisglycinate should be considered for those who cannot tolerate it.
Main areas of use: Iron Supplementation, Support for Blood Disorders, Food Colorant (except E572, compatible with E170), Vegetable/Fruit Juice Preservative, Water Treatment, Animal Feed Additive, Soil Fertilizer.
Usage in Dietary Supplements
- Reference iron source: It is the classic ferro salt used as a reference in bioavailability comparisons; its high water solubility ensures good absorption, and its efficacy is supported by extensive clinical data.
- Bioavailability: It is highly bioavailable and cost-effective; however, the high elemental iron load and free iron ions can cause more side effects at equivalent doses compared to chelated forms.
- Gastrointestinal side effects: It causes side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, and metallic taste more frequently than chelated forms, which can reduce treatment adherence.
- Ferro (Fe²⁺) form: The iron in sulfate is in the ferro state, providing higher solubility and absorption compared to ferric salts.
Usage in the Food Industry
- Standard in flour and cereal fortification: It is one of the recommended soluble iron compounds for fortifying wheat/corn flour with iron in WHO/FAO guidelines (approximately 15–60 mg/kg flour).
- High bioavailability, sensory limitations: It provides high absorption; however, the same solubility can trigger lipid oxidation and changes in color/taste, limiting its use in sensitive food matrices.
- Permitted fortification source: It is an authorized iron source for food fortification and is one of the most commonly used compounds in flour fortification programs worldwide.
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 for adults (fortified food + supplements; excluding formula milk) was defined.
- Turkish legislation (TETGK): TR Regulation permits iron supplements; ferrous sulfate is among the permitted iron sources. A specific daily limit for this salt could not be confirmed from the official text (not fabricated).
Excessive iron is toxic; iron-containing supplements are a leading cause of accidental poisoning in children and should be kept out of reach of children.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Purity | ≥ %91–98 |
| Appearance | Yellow Powder |
| Moisture | ≤5.0 % |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water |
Scientific Studies
The following independent research studies relate to the bioavailability, usage, and effects of this mineral (evidence levels are specified):
- PubMed 24152889 — A randomized study showing that 25 mg of iron bisglycinate in pregnancy is as effective as 50 mg of iron in ferrous sulfate.
- PubMed 23444716 — Baking trials evaluating flour fortification with different iron compounds.
Technical Documents and Supply — Asuka Kimya
You can contact Asuka Kimya for SDS, TDS, CoA and supply conditions for Ferrous Sulfate.
References
- ods.od.nih.gov
- efsa.europa.eu
- efsa.europa.eu
- ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 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 and does not aim to diagnose or treat diseases.