What are the ingredients in Feramax iron?

November 24, 2025 •

2 min read

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional deficiency globally, affecting people of all ages. Feramax is a popular brand of oral iron supplements, and understanding what are the ingredients in Feramax iron is key for anyone considering this treatment for anemia.

Quick Summary

Feramax's active ingredient is Polydextrose Iron Complex, an easily-tolerated form of elemental iron designed to minimize gastric side effects. Different formulations like the Therapeutic 150, Maintenance 45, and Powder 15 also contain specific non-medicinal ingredients, and some include vitamins to support red blood cell formation.

Key Points

Polydextrose Iron Complex (PDIC): The active ingredient is a non-ionic, high-bioavailability iron form that minimizes gastric side effects.
Reduced Stomach Upset: PDIC releases less free iron in the stomach, improving tolerance.
Formulation-Specific Ingredients: Ingredients vary across capsule, chewable, and powder forms to suit different users.
Therapeutic vs. Maintenance: Therapeutic 150 has iron only, while Maintenance 45 adds Vitamin B12 and C.
Specialized for Children: Powder 15 contains sweeteners and flavorings suitable for infants and children.
Vegan Certified Options: Several products are certified vegan.
Inclusion of Vitamins: Vitamin C aids iron absorption and Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell production in the Maintenance 45 chewable.

Feramax's Core Ingredient: Polydextrose Iron Complex (PDIC)

The primary ingredient in all Feramax products is Polydextrose Iron Complex (PDIC). This formulation aims to be more stomach-friendly than traditional iron salts. The iron is complexed with polydextrose, allowing it to be absorbed mainly in the small intestine, which helps reduce common iron supplement side effects like nausea and constipation.

Benefits of Polydextrose Iron Complex

Enhanced Tolerability: Reduces free iron in the stomach to minimize irritation.
Neutral pH: Less reactive in the digestive system.
High Bioavailability: Its structure is similar to ferritin, enhancing absorption.
Vegan Certified: Several products are plant-based.

Ingredients by Feramax Product Formulation

Feramax offers various formulations with slightly different ingredients for diverse needs.

Feramax Pd Therapeutic 150 (Capsules)

Used for treating iron deficiency anemia.

Medicinal Ingredient: 150mg Elemental Iron as Polydextrose Iron Complex.
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Include carrageenan, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, potassium chloride, titanium dioxide, and food colorings.

Feramax Pd Maintenance 45 (Chewable Tablets)

For preventing iron deficiency.

Medicinal Ingredients: 45mg Elemental Iron as Polydextrose Iron Complex, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin C.
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Include citric acid, magnesium stearate, mannitol, sucralose, xylitol, and orange/vanilla flavoring.

Feramax Pd Powder 15 (Water-Soluble Powder)

Designed for children and infants.

Medicinal Ingredient: 15mg Elemental Iron per ¼ teaspoon as Polydextrose Iron Complex.
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Include maltodextrin, sucralose, and grape/raspberry flavoring.

Comparison Table: Feramax Formulations


Feature	Feramax Pd Therapeutic 150	Feramax Pd Maintenance 45	Feramax Pd Powder 15
Elemental Iron	150 mg per capsule	45 mg per chewable tablet	15 mg per ¼ tsp
Purpose	Treatment of anemia	Prevention of deficiency	For infants/children
Format	Capsule	Chewable Tablet	Powder
Added Vitamins	None	Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C	None
Flavors	Flavorless capsule	Orange/Vanilla	Grape/Raspberry
Vegan Certified	Yes	Yes	Yes

Understanding the Role of Non-Medicinal Ingredients

Non-medicinal ingredients in Feramax products are inactive components that help with manufacturing, stability, and taste. Examples include sweeteners and flavorings in chewable tablets or fillers and binders in capsules. Reviewing the full list is advised for individuals with sensitivities.

Conclusion: A Gentle and Targeted Iron Source

Feramax iron supplements are characterized by their main ingredient, Polydextrose Iron Complex, known for being gentle on the stomach. This complex is designed to reduce the typical gastrointestinal side effects of iron. Different Feramax products like capsules, chewables, and powder use specific inactive ingredients alongside PDIC to suit various needs, such as therapeutic use, maintenance, or pediatric administration. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to determine the best Feramax formulation and its ingredients for individual iron concerns.

Outbound Link

For more information on the patented technology behind Feramax, you can visit the official product page: https://www.feramax.com/product-information/.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main active ingredient is Polydextrose Iron Complex (PDIC), a unique, patented iron form designed for better tolerance.

Feramax uses PDIC, which is coated to reduce stomach irritation from iron ions, resulting in fewer side effects compared to traditional iron salts.

No, while all contain PDIC, non-medicinal ingredients differ, and some products like Maintenance 45 include additional vitamins.

Yes, several Feramax products, including the Therapeutic 150 capsules and Maintenance 45 chewable tablets, are vegan-certified.

The Feramax Pd Powder 15 is formulated for infants and children, is water-soluble, flavored, and does not stain teeth.

Maintenance 45 includes Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C; Vitamin C improves iron absorption, and B12 helps form red blood cells.

Inactive ingredients vary by product. For Therapeutic 150 capsules, they include fillers and colorings. For Maintenance 45 chewables, they are mainly sweeteners and flavorings.