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Ferrochel Ferrous Bisglycinate chelate

Also known as: Ferrochel, ferrous bisglycinate, iron bisglycinate chelate, Fe(C4H8N2O4), Ferrous bisglycinate chelate

Overview

Ferrous bisglycinate chelate is a highly bioavailable form of iron where ferrous iron (Fe2+) is bound to two glycine molecules. This chelated structure protects the iron from interactions in the gastrointestinal tract that can reduce absorption and cause side effects, making it a superior alternative to traditional iron salts like ferrous sulfate. It is primarily used for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children. Research, including multiple randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, consistently demonstrates its enhanced bioavailability, improved gastrointestinal tolerance, and reduced side effects compared to other iron supplements. Its unique chelated form allows for more efficient absorption and utilization by the body, leading to better outcomes in raising hemoglobin levels and replenishing iron stores with fewer adverse events.

Benefits

Ferrous bisglycinate chelate offers significant benefits, primarily in the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency. It has been shown to significantly increase hemoglobin concentration, with a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) of 0.54 g/dL, indicating a moderate clinical benefit in improving iron status. While its effect on ferritin concentrations (iron stores) is less consistent, a trend towards improvement has been observed. A major advantage is its substantially lower incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events (GI AEs) compared to traditional iron salts, with a 64% lower rate of GI side effects reported in pregnant women. This improved tolerability makes it a preferred option for long-term supplementation. Pregnant women show the most robust benefits in both efficacy and tolerability, making it a highly recommended iron supplement for this population. Benefits are typically observed after at least 4 weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Ferrous bisglycinate chelate works by protecting the iron molecule from inhibitors in the gastrointestinal tract. The chelation of iron with two glycine molecules forms a stable complex that prevents the iron from binding with dietary components like phytates or tannins, which would otherwise reduce its absorption. This stable chelate allows the iron to pass through the stomach and small intestine more efficiently. Once in the duodenum, the chelated iron is absorbed intact via specific pathways, potentially involving amino acid transporters, before the iron is released inside the enterocytes. This enhanced absorption leads to increased iron availability for erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) and the replenishment of iron stores throughout the body, effectively treating or preventing iron deficiency.

Side effects

Ferrous bisglycinate chelate is generally well-tolerated with a favorable safety profile, significantly reducing the common gastrointestinal side effects associated with traditional iron salts. Common side effects, occurring in less than 5% of users, are minimal and include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, which are considerably less frequent and severe than with ferrous sulfate. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) are rare mild GI discomfort. Serious adverse events are extremely rare, with no such events reported in reviewed clinical trials or toxicology studies. There are no major reported drug interactions, though concurrent intake of calcium, antacids, or certain antibiotics may theoretically affect absorption, similar to other iron supplements. Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to iron or glycine compounds, and caution is advised for individuals with hemochromatosis or other iron overload disorders. Its superior tolerability makes it particularly beneficial for pregnant women.

Dosage

The recommended dosage for ferrous bisglycinate chelate typically ranges from 30-60 mg of elemental iron per day. Doses should be individualized based on the severity of iron deficiency and the specific clinical context. For pregnant women, clinical trials commonly used doses of 30-60 mg elemental iron daily to achieve efficacy. While toxicology studies in animals showed no adverse effects at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day, human tolerability is excellent at typical supplement doses. For optimal absorption, it is best taken on an empty stomach; however, if gastrointestinal discomfort occurs, it can be taken with food. To maximize absorption, avoid concurrent intake of calcium or polyphenol-rich foods (e.g., tea, coffee). Co-administration with Vitamin C can further enhance iron absorption. No other specific cofactors are strictly required.

FAQs

Is Ferrochel safer than ferrous sulfate?

Yes, Ferrochel (ferrous bisglycinate chelate) has a significantly lower incidence of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and constipation, while providing comparable or superior efficacy in raising hemoglobin levels compared to ferrous sulfate.

How soon can improvements be seen?

Improvements in hemoglobin levels are typically observed after at least 4 weeks of consistent daily supplementation with ferrous bisglycinate chelate.

Can it be used in children?

Yes, ferrous bisglycinate can be used in children, but the evidence base is less robust compared to pregnant women, and more studies are needed to confirm optimal efficacy and dosing in pediatric populations.

Is it suitable for vegetarians/vegans?

Yes, ferrous bisglycinate chelate is a synthetic amino acid chelate and does not contain animal-derived ingredients, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Does it cause constipation?

Ferrous bisglycinate chelate is significantly less likely to cause constipation compared to traditional iron salts, though mild gastrointestinal symptoms can still occur in some sensitive individuals.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10331582/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis, including 17 RCTs, found that ferrous bisglycinate significantly increased hemoglobin (SMD 0.54) and reduced GI adverse events by 64% in pregnant women. While effective, the study noted high heterogeneity and variable trial designs across included studies.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36728680/ – This publication is a systematic review and meta-analysis that supports the efficacy of ferrous bisglycinate in increasing hemoglobin levels. It highlights the improved tolerability of this iron form, particularly in pregnant women, due to fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to traditional iron salts.
https://nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/study-reveals-risk-of-iron-salts-in-pregnant-women-211116 – This article discusses a study confirming the superior efficacy and tolerability of ferrous bisglycinate over iron salts, specifically noting a 64% reduction in GI side effects in pregnant women. It emphasizes the importance of choosing appropriate iron supplements for this vulnerable population.
https://www.nutraingredients.com/Article/2023/09/07/study-not-all-iron-supplements-for-pregnant-women-should-be-considered-equal/ – This source reports on research indicating that not all iron supplements are equally effective or well-tolerated for pregnant women. It underscores the benefits of ferrous bisglycinate in terms of both efficacy and reduced side effects, suggesting it as a preferred option.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2018/208612Orig1s000PharmR.pdf – This FDA toxicology report details a 13-week subchronic oral toxicity study in rats, showing no mortality or adverse effects at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day of ferrous bisglycinate. The study supports the general safety of the compound, although extrapolation from animal models to humans has limitations.