Tag: Iron salts

While most people associate iron with dietary intake, the largest and most foundational sources are geological deposits found deep within the Earth's crust. So, which is the main source of iron salts, and how do these sources vary depending on their intended use?

Iron salts are among the most widely used chemical compounds globally, with ferrous sulfate alone seeing over 6 million prescriptions in the United States in 2021. What are iron salts used for across various sectors, from essential medical treatments to widespread industrial processes?

Ferrous gluconate is a commonly used iron supplement, but many people don't realize its alternate chemical name is Iron(II) gluconate. This gentle iron salt is used to combat iron deficiency anemia by helping the body produce healthy red blood cells.

Iron is a vital mineral, and the body's primary use for it is in red blood cell production. For those managing a deficiency, understanding what are the ingredients in an iron tablet is crucial for choosing the right supplement and maximizing its effectiveness.

According to the National Institutes of Health, ferrous fumarate is composed of approximately 33% elemental iron by weight. This percentage is crucial for understanding the true iron content of a supplement, as the total weight of the tablet is not the same as the amount of iron the body can actually use. Elemental iron is the specific component the body absorbs to produce red blood cells and treat or prevent iron deficiency.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from iron deficiency anemia, a condition commonly treated with oral iron supplements. For patients and healthcare providers considering options, a key question is: is ferric citrate better than ferrous sulfate, the traditional and more common iron salt?

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide, affecting over 2 billion people. When you reach for a vitamin or supplement, you might encounter different terms and find yourself wondering: **What is another name for iron in vitamins?** The answer lies in the various chemical forms used to make the mineral bioavailable for your body, with common examples including ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and ferric citrate.