FERRIC CITRATE

Synonyms: Iron(III) citrate, Ferric citrate, 2-Hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid iron(3+) salt, Citric acid iron(III) salt, Iron citrate

Ferric citrate is the iron(III) salt of citric acid, in which three carboxylate groups of the citrate ligand coordinate to a central ferric ion, forming a stable, water-soluble complex. This chelation shields the iron from premature precipitation in the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for efficient delivery and absorption. The citrate backbone also participates in cellular energy metabolism, making the compound well tolerated and bioavailable.

Industrially, ferric citrate is produced by reacting ferric hydroxide or ferric chloride with citric acid under controlled pH and temperature, followed by spray drying or granulation. It appears as a reddish-brown to amber powder with a faint acidic odor, freely soluble in water but practically insoluble in ethanol. The compound is amphoteric and exhibits pH-dependent solubility, which influences its behavior in formulations.

Ferric citrate is primarily used as a phosphate binder in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and as an iron supplement for iron deficiency anemia. In the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, it serves as a source of bioavailable iron in oral dosage forms. Additionally, it finds application in food fortification, where it provides iron without undesirable color or flavor changes. Its dual role as a phosphate binder and iron donor makes it a valuable active ingredient in nephrology and hematology.

Chemical Structure & Properties

Ferric citrate consists of a ferric ion (Fe3+) coordinated by citrate ligands, typically forming a polymeric or oligomeric structure in aqueous solution. The citrate moiety acts as a tridentate ligand, binding through its central hydroxyl and two terminal carboxylate groups. This chelation results in a stable complex with a formation constant high enough to prevent hydrolysis at physiological pH. The compound is highly soluble in water, yielding a colloidal solution that is stable under acidic to neutral conditions. Its redox behavior is influenced by the citrate environment, which moderates the reactivity of the ferric ion.

Meccanismo d'azione

• Phosphate binding: In the gastrointestinal tract, ferric citrate binds dietary phosphate, forming insoluble ferric phosphate complexes that are excreted in feces, thereby reducing serum phosphate levels.
• Iron delivery: The citrate complex is absorbed via both active and passive pathways; the iron is released intracellularly and incorporated into hemoglobin or stored as ferritin.
• Modulation of FGF23: By lowering phosphate load, ferric citrate may reduce fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels, which is beneficial in CKD.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Citrate may also exert mild anti-inflammatory effects by chelating free iron and reducing oxidative stress.

Quality Specifications

Supply & Documentation

• Capacity: 5 metric tons per month
• Tempi di consegna: 3-5 business days (stock items)
• Documentazione: COA, MSDS, TDS, nutritional analysis, and regulatory support available upon request
• Confezionamento: 25 kg fiber drums with double polyethylene liners, or customized packaging for small-scale orders

Richiesta di preventivo

• LyvBio S.r.l. — E-mail: info@lyvbio.com