Ferrous fumarate
[CAS# 141-01-5]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Blood system medication >> Anti-anemia drug
• Name: Ferrous fumarate
• Synonyms: Iron(II) fumarate
• Molecular Formula: C₄H₂FeO₄
• Molecular Weight: 169.90
• CAS Registry Number: 141-01-5
• EC Number: 205-447-7
• SMILES: C(=C/C(=O)[O-])C(=O)[O-].[Fe+2]

Properties

• Density: 2.435
• Melting point: >280 °C

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P280-P301+P312-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412

Discovery and Applications

Ferrous fumarate is an iron salt that was first synthesized and identified by chemists in the mid-20th century as they explored ways to supplement iron. The compound consists of ferrous ions (Fe²?) and fumarate ions, forming a stable salt with high bioavailability. Ferrous fumarate is recognized as an effective iron supplement due to its better absorption and minimal gastrointestinal side effects compared to other iron compounds.

Ferrous fumarate is widely used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia, a common nutritional disorder characterized by low levels of iron in the body. As a source of elemental iron, ferrous fumarate provides an essential mineral required for the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Oral administration of ferrous fumarate helps replenish iron stores and correct anemia, improving overall health and vitality.

Ferrous fumarate is added to multivitamin and mineral supplements to fortify their iron content and address iron deficiency in individuals with inadequate dietary intake or increased iron requirements. It is used in prenatal vitamins for pregnant women to support maternal and fetal iron needs during pregnancy. Ferrous fumarate supplements are available in various dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations for convenient oral administration.

Ferrous fumarate is used in food fortification programs to increase the iron content of staple foods such as flour, cereals, and infant formula. Fortification helps address iron deficiency in populations, especially in areas where dietary iron intake is inadequate or diversified food sources are limited. Ferrous fumarate fortification helps improve iron deficiency status and reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in high-risk populations.

Ferrous fumarate is used as an iron supplement in animal feed formulations to meet the nutritional requirements of livestock and poultry. Iron is essential for normal growth, development, and physiological functions of animals, including oxygen transport, enzyme activity, and immune function. Ferrous fumarate supplements ensure adequate iron intake and prevent iron deficiency-related diseases in livestock production systems.

Ferrous fumarate is added to pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children and adults. It can be used as a stand-alone iron supplement or in combination with other vitamins and minerals to treat iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous fumarate formulations are prescribed by physicians based on individual iron needs and tolerance.

Ferrous fumarate is used in water treatment processes to remove contaminants such as arsenic, phosphates and heavy metals from drinking water and wastewater. It acts as a coagulant and flocculant to remove dissolved impurities through sedimentation and filtration. Ferrous fumarate-based water treatment helps improve water quality and ensure a safe drinking water supply.

References

2023. A randomized controlled trial of thrice-weekly versus thrice-daily oral ferrous fumarate treatment in adult patients with iron-deficiency anemia. Annals of Hematology. Siddhibhong Jongkraijakra, Thitima Doungngern, Warunsuda Sripakdee, Arnuparp Lekhakula.
DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05198-2

2024. Low‐Dose Prophylactic Oral Iron Supplementation (Ferrous Fumarate, Ferrous Bisglycinate, and Ferrous Sulphate) in Pregnancy Is Not Associated With Clinically Significant Gastrointestinal Complaints: Results From Two Randomized Studies. Journal of Pregnancy. Nils Thorm Milman, Thomas Bergholt.
DOI: 10.1155/2024/1716798

2022. Prebiotic Galacto-Oligosaccharides and Fructo-Oligosaccharides, but Not Acacia Gum, Increase Iron Absorption from a Single High-Dose Ferrous Fumarate Supplement in Iron-Depleted Women. The Journal of Nutrition. Ambra Giorgetti, Frederike M D Husmann, Christophe Zeder, Isabelle Herter-Aeberli, Michael B Zimmermann.
DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac003