Iron(II) gluconate

Iron(II) gluconate

Names
Systematic IUPAC name Iron; (2R,3R,4S,5S)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid
Identifiers
CAS Number	299-29-6
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	19953133
ECHA InfoCard	100.131.978
E number	E579 (acidity regulators, ...)
PubChem CID	9291
UNII	781E2AXH0K
InChI InChI=1S/2C6H12O7.Fe/c2*7-1-2(8)3(9)4(10)5(11)6(12)13;/h2*2-5,7-11H,1H2,(H,12,13);/q;;+2/p-2/t2*2-,3-,4+,5-;/m11./s1 Key: VRIVJOXICYMTAG-IYEMJOQQSA-L InChI=1/2C6H12O7.Fe/c2*7-1-2(8)3(9)4(10)5(11)6(12)13;/h2*2-5,7-11H,1H2,(H,12,13);/q;;+2/p-2/t2*2-,3-,4+,5-;/m11./s1 Key: VRIVJOXICYMTAG-QFKJHGNTBV
SMILES [Fe+2].O[C@H]([C@@H](O)C([O-])=O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO.[O-]C(=O)[C@H](O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O)CO
Properties
Chemical formula	FeC12H22O14
Molar mass	446,14528 g/mol
Appearance	light yellow to brown powder
Odor	slight caramel odor
Melting point	188 °C (370 °F; 461 K) dihydrate
Solubility in water	soluble
Solubility	soluble in glycerin negligible in alcohol
Pharmacology
ATC code	B03AA03 (WHO) B03AD05 (WHO) (combination with folic acid)
Hazards
Safety data sheet	Oxford MSDS
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).

Iron(II) gluconate, or ferrous gluconate,^[1] is a black compound often used as an iron supplement. It is the iron(II) salt of gluconic acid. It is marketed under brand names such as Fergon, Ferralet and Simron.^[2]

Uses

Medical

Ferrous gluconate is effectively used in the treatment of hypochromic anemia. The use of this compound compared with other iron preparations results in satisfactory reticulocyte responses, a high percentage utilization of iron, and daily increase in hemoglobin that a normal level occurs in a reasonably short time.^[3]

Food additive

Ferrous gluconate is also used as a food additive when processing black olives. It is represented by the food labeling E number E579 in Europe. It imparts a uniform jet black color to the olives.^[4][5] Therefore, regular consumption of blackened olives may help to keep a healthy ferritin level in the blood.

Toxicity

Ferrous gluconate may be toxic in case of overdose. Children may show signs of toxicity with ingestions of 10–20 mg/kg of elemental iron. Serious toxicity may result from ingestions of more than 60 mg/kg. Iron exerts both local and systemic effects: it is corrosive to the gastrointestinal mucosa, it can have a negative impact on the heart and blood (dehydration, low blood pressure, fast and weak pulse, shock), lungs, liver, gastrointestinal system (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting blood), nervous system (chills, dizziness, coma, convulsions, headache), and skin (flushing, loss of color, bluish-colored lips and fingernails).^[6][7] The symptoms may disappear in a few hours, but then emerge again after 1 or more days.

See also

• Acceptable daily intake
• Iron poisoning

References