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Ferrous Asparto Glycinate

Also known as: Iron asparto glycinate, Ferrous asparto glycinate, Ferrous Asparto Glycinate

Overview

Ferrous Asparto Glycinate is a chelated form of iron, where ferrous iron is molecularly bound to aspartic acid and glycine amino acids. This unique chelation is designed to enhance iron bioavailability and significantly reduce the gastrointestinal side effects commonly associated with traditional iron salts, such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous ascorbate. It is primarily utilized for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia (IDA), especially in vulnerable populations with elevated iron requirements, including pregnant women and children. As a member of the amino acid chelated iron supplement class, it is recognized for its superior absorption profile and improved tolerability. Research on Ferrous Asparto Glycinate is moderately developed, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and some meta-analyses supporting its efficacy, often drawing parallels from studies on similar amino acid chelates like ferrous bisglycinate.

Benefits

Ferrous Asparto Glycinate offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in addressing iron deficiency. Its main effect is the effective increase of hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in individuals with iron deficiency and anemia, with improvements comparable to or even superior to other iron salts like ferrous ascorbate. This is particularly beneficial for pregnant women. A significant advantage is its association with fewer gastrointestinal adverse events, such as nausea and constipation, compared to traditional iron salts, which leads to better patient compliance. While data are more limited, it may also improve other iron status markers like soluble transferrin receptor and total iron binding capacity. Pregnant women especially benefit from its improved tolerability and efficacy in preventing and treating IDA. Children and non-pregnant adults also show benefits, though research in these groups is less extensive. Meta-analyses on closely related chelates like ferrous bisglycinate have shown statistically significant increases in hemoglobin and a reduction in GI adverse events, supporting the benefits of amino acid chelates. Benefits are typically observed after at least four weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Ferrous Asparto Glycinate delivers iron in a chelated form, which protects the iron from adverse interactions in the gut that can hinder absorption, such as those with phytates or polyphenols. The amino acid chelate structure facilitates its transport across the intestinal mucosa through specific amino acid transporters, thereby enhancing its overall bioavailability. Once absorbed, the iron is efficiently utilized by the body to be incorporated into hemoglobin, which is crucial for oxygen transport, and stored as ferritin. This chelated form also minimizes the amount of free iron present in the gut lumen, which in turn reduces oxidative stress and irritation that are often responsible for the gastrointestinal side effects associated with conventional iron supplements.

Side effects

Ferrous Asparto Glycinate is generally considered safe and well-tolerated. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, though these are significantly less frequent and less severe compared to those experienced with ferrous sulfate or ferrous ascorbate. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1-5% of individuals, may include occasional constipation or diarrhea. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, include hypersensitivity reactions, which are very infrequent. There are no significant drug interactions unique to Ferrous Asparto Glycinate beyond those typically associated with other iron supplements, such as reduced absorption when taken with antacids or certain antibiotics. It is contraindicated in individuals with hemochromatosis or other iron overload disorders. Pregnant women, in particular, benefit from its improved tolerability and efficacy, making it a suitable option during pregnancy.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of Ferrous Asparto Glycinate for treating iron deficiency anemia in adults and pregnant women typically ranges from 30 to 60 mg of elemental iron daily. Due to its superior absorption, it may be effective at lower doses compared to traditional iron salts. Dosing is usually recommended once or twice daily, preferably with meals to enhance tolerability, although absorption is generally better on an empty stomach. The maximum safe dose is dependent on individual tolerance and iron status; doses exceeding 60 mg elemental iron daily should be closely monitored for potential side effects. Ferrous Asparto Glycinate is commonly available in capsule or tablet forms. Its absorption can be enhanced by co-administration with vitamin C, while substances like calcium, phytates, and polyphenols may reduce its absorption.

FAQs

Is ferrous asparto glycinate safer than ferrous sulfate?

Yes, Ferrous Asparto Glycinate generally causes fewer gastrointestinal side effects and is better tolerated compared to ferrous sulfate, leading to improved compliance.

How long does it take to see improvement?

Significant increases in hemoglobin levels are typically observed after at least four weeks of consistent supplementation with Ferrous Asparto Glycinate.

Can it be taken with food?

Yes, taking Ferrous Asparto Glycinate with food can help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, although absorption may be slightly better on an empty stomach.

Is it suitable for pregnant women?

Yes, Ferrous Asparto Glycinate is considered effective and well-tolerated for preventing and treating iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10331582/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 RCTs, including 9 on pregnant women, found that ferrous bisglycinate (a similar chelate) improved hemoglobin and ferritin more than iron salts and significantly reduced GI adverse events. It provides high-quality evidence supporting the benefits of amino acid chelates, despite some heterogeneity and limited direct data on ferrous asparto glycinate.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Efficacy-and-safety-of-ferrous-asparto-glycinate-in-Kamdi-Palkar/106b2341cfb13465f89d93cf7f691a8095cd680f – This randomized controlled trial by Kamdi & Palkar (2015) in pregnant women with iron deficiency anemia found that Ferrous Asparto Glycinate was more effective and better tolerated than ferrous ascorbate. While a single RCT with a moderate sample size, it provides direct evidence for the efficacy and safety of this specific iron chelate.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29611716/ – This meta-analysis of RCTs, covering various populations, concluded that iron supplementation (including chelates) is more effective than dietary intervention in increasing hemoglobin and improving iron markers. Although it did not specifically isolate Ferrous Asparto Glycinate, it supports the general efficacy of iron supplementation, including chelated forms, in addressing iron deficiency.