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Warning: This product contains iron. Keep out of reach of children!

What is Ferrous Gluconate?

Ferrous gluconate is a salt of gluconic acid and elemental iron. As an ionic compound, ferrous gluconate consists of one atom of iron for every two molecules of gluconate.

Ferrous gluconate is a popular iron nutritional supplement because of its high bioavailability and gentleness on the gastrointestinal tract.

Ferrous gluconate is easily absorbed without causing stomach pains. Its high bioavailability means lower amounts are effective compared to other iron forms, including ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate.

Iron is needed to produce red blood cells, which transport oxygen to various parts of the body. When insufficient oxygen is available to the cells of the body, symptoms ranging from tiredness and shortness of breath to learning problems can occur. Iron supplements are used to maintain healthy levels of iron in the body.

Iron is found primarily in bone marrow, the spleen and the liver. It is an important component of proteins necessary in oxygen transport and metabolism and a critical ingredient in the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.

About 15 percent of the body's iron is stored for future needs and mobilized when dietary intake is inadequate. The body usually maintains normal iron status by controlling the amount of iron absorbed from food.

There are two types of dietary iron: heme and non-heme. Heme iron is absorbed well by the body. Good possible sources of heme iron include meat, fish and poultry. Sources of non-heme iron include beans, lentils, flours, cereals, and grain products. Other sources of iron include dried fruit, peas, asparagus, leafy greens, strawberries, and nuts.

Benefits of Ferrous Gluconate

Ferrous gluconate can help prevent iron deficiency, a condition that can be determined by checking serum ferritin levels

The need for iron is heightened during growth, menstruation, pregnancy or when there is a loss of blood or a poor diet. Oral iron supplements are the most efficient way to restore iron levels, but should be used with caution and only after dietary measures have failed.

Iron is best known for its role as oxygen transporter within the protein hemoglobin. Red blood cells containing hemoglobin pick up oxygen as they pass through the lungs (largely because of the oxygen binding characteristic of iron), and are thus able to transport oxygen to various tissues of the body.

Every 120 days or 2 months, red blood cells and the iron they contain are replaced and recycled. Additionally, numerous enzymes involved in metabolism require iron to function. Iron is also required for myoglobin, protein metabolism, as well as cell division (mitosis) and development because of its role in DNA synthesis. Iron is also an integral part in connective tissue production, neurotransmitters, immune system maintenance and in the production of thyroid hormone.

Only about 5% to 10% of the iron in the diet is retained and synthesized by the bodies. Heme-iron, the organic iron derived from meats, has a much better absorption rate than "non heme." This is where sugars and amino acids come in, because they may boost absorption. Female athletes, endurance athletes and athletes on low-calorie diets are more susceptible to deficiency.

Iron deficiency is also one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiencies in the United States. Deficiency symptoms include fatigue, rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, lack of concentration, giddiness, disturbed sleep, severe menstrual pain and bleeding, cracked lips, eye inflammation, mouth ulcers, hair loss and anemia.

Purity and Concentration of Ferrous Gluconate

This ferrous gluconate powder contains no fillers, taste additives, or anti-caking agents.

Suggested Use of Ferrous Gluconate

As a dietary supplement, take 130 mg (rounded 1/32 tsp) once daily on empty stomach, or as directed by physician. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Ferrous Gluconate here. A serving of 1/32 teaspoon equals 113 milligrams(mg), so a slightly rounded 1/32 tsp will give about 130mg.

The FDA recommended daily value for iron is 18 milligrams for an adult. Ferrous gluconate is about 11.5% elemental iron. Taking 130 milligrams of ferrous gluconate powder in a single serving will yield 15 milligrams of elemental iron, or 83% of the FDA Daily Value.

Potential Side Effects of Ferrous Gluconate

DO NOT TAKE within 2 hrs of other medications. Avoid ingesting antacids or antibiotics within two hours of taking ferrous gluconate.

Excessive use can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, deterioration of the gut lining, liver damage and increased chances of acquiring atherosclerosis and heart disease.

To minimize stomach upset, take ferrous gluconate on an empty stomach (at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.)

Ferrous gluconate can stain teeth, but the effect doesn’t last very long. To prevent staining, mix ferrous gluconate with water or fruit juice (not with milk) and drink the mixture through a straw.

WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6 years of age. Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Ferrous Gluconate

Ferrous gluconate powder has a mineral taste and is somewhat sour. It does not readily dissolve in water and will suspend into a somewhat cloudy mixture when stirred. Mix into water or juice and drink.

How should I store it?

You will receive a resealable bag of this powder. Store in a cool, dry area protected from light. Reseal after each use.

References & Further Research

Linus Pauling Institute: Iron

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.