Ferrous lactate

Synonyms: Iron(II) lactate, Ferrous 2-hydroxypropanoate, Iron dilactate, Lactic acid iron(II) salt

Ferrous lactate is the iron(II) salt of lactic acid, represented by the formula C6H10FeO6. It typically occurs as a greenish-white to pale green crystalline powder with a mild, characteristic odor. Unlike many inorganic iron salts, ferrous lactate is well tolerated by the gastrointestinal tract and does not cause the metallic aftertaste or darkening of teeth associated with ferrous sulfate. It has been used for decades as a source of bioavailable iron in pharmaceutical preparations and as a food fortification ingredient, particularly in Europe and Asia.

Chemically, ferrous lactate is a coordination compound in which the ferrous ion (Fe2+) is bound to two lactate anions. The lactate ligand is a small, naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid that participates in human metabolism, making the salt highly biocompatible. The ferrous state is essential for absorption; the iron must remain in the +2 oxidation state to be taken up efficiently by the divalent metal transporter (DMT1) in the small intestine. This is why formulators often choose ferrous lactate over ferric salts, which require reduction before absorption. The compound is moderately soluble in water, and its solutions are slightly acidic due to the lactate moiety.

Commercial ferrous lactate is standardized to a ferrous iron content of 20% or higher, with tight control over oxidation to the ferric state. It is produced by reacting lactic acid with a ferrous source under controlled conditions to prevent oxidation. The resulting product is a free-flowing powder that blends well into dry mixes, tablets, and capsules. Its primary applications include iron-deficiency anemia treatment, prenatal and pediatric supplements, and fortified foods such as infant formula, cereals, and beverages. It is also used in veterinary medicine and as a nutrient in cell culture media.

Function

• Iron supplementation: Provides highly bioavailable ferrous iron for the treatment and prevention of iron-deficiency anemia.
• Hemoglobin synthesis: Supports the production of hemoglobin and myoglobin, essential for oxygen transport in the body.
• Enzyme cofactor: Acts as a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, and neurotransmitter production.
• Gastrointestinal tolerance: The lactate anion buffers the iron, reducing the incidence of gastric irritation compared to ferrous sulfate.
• Food fortification: Fortifies foods and beverages without causing rancidity or undesirable color changes.

Source & Standardization

• Source: Synthetic, derived from lactic acid and a ferrous salt (e.g., ferrous sulfate or ferrous chloride).
• Production: Controlled reaction of lactic acid with ferrous iron under nitrogen or vacuum to prevent oxidation, followed by crystallization and drying.
• Standardization: ≥ 20.0% ferrous iron (dry basis), with ferric iron content typically ≤ 2.0%.
• Forms: Greenish-white to pale green crystalline powder, freely soluble in water.
• 응용 분야: Pharmaceutical tablets and capsules, oral solutions, food fortification (infant formula, cereals, beverages), veterinary products, and cell culture media.

사양

Documentation & Supply

• Monthly capacity: 20 metric tons
• 리드 타임: 3-5 business days (stock items)
• 문서: COA, MSDS, TDS, nutritional analysis, and regulatory support (e.g., FCC, USP, EP) available upon request
• 포장: 25 kg fiber drums with double polyethylene liners; custom packaging available for small quantities

견적 요청

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