Ferrous Fumarate

Ferrous Fumarate is an orangecoloured crystalline powder and one of the most effective organic iron salts, widely used as the active ingredient in iron supplement tablets, nutraceuticals, and food fortification products. It delivers superior bioavailability and minimal gastrointestinal side effects, making it the preferred choice across pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and clinical nutrition applications where consistent iron delivery and patient compliance are critical.

Ferrous Fumarate overview

Ferrous Fumarate is a wellestablished iron supplement ingredient and functional additive that plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells and management of hemoglobin levels. Its proven efficacy in preventing anemia, treating iron deficiency, and enhancing the oxygencarrying ability of red blood cells across different body tissues makes it a trusted raw material for pharmaceutical manufacturers, nutraceutical brands, and food fortification programs. Its organic chemistry, high iron content per molecule, and proven clinical safety profile support reliable, bioavailable iron supplementation that improves patient outcomes and brand reputation.

Physical and chemical properties

• Chemical name: Ferrous Fumarate

• Molecular formula: CHFeO

• CAS No.: 141015

• Molecular weight: 169.88169.901 g/mol

• Form and appearance: Orangecultured, odorless crystalline powder, freeflowing and nonhygroscopic

• Density: Approx. 2.4352.6 g/cm

• Iron content: Approximately 32.8% elemental iron by weight

• Solubility: Soluble in dilute acids; slightly soluble in water; stable across neutral to mildly acidic pH ranges (3.56.5)

• Melting point: Approx. 200210 C (note: some references cite ~280 C with decomposition onset)

• Stability: Superior shelf life and oxidative stability compared to ferrous salts; minimal darkening or degradation under normal storage

• pH (aqueous suspension): Typically neutral to slightly acidic (5.57.0)

• Odor: Odorless

These properties support consistent formulation behavior, extended product shelf life, reliable bioavailability in solid and semisolid dosage forms, and ease of handling in manufacturing environments.

Bioavailability and clinical benefits

• Superior iron absorption and hemoglobin support

  • Ferrous Fumarate delivers organic iron in the ferrous (Fe) state, which is readily absorbed in the small intestine.

  • The fumarate anion supports efficient chelation and intestinal uptake, resulting in higher bioavailability compared to inorganic iron salts.

  • Plays a critical role in the formation of red blood cells and effective management of hemoglobin levels, directly supporting oxygen transport and tissue oxygenation.

• Enhanced oxygencarrying capacity

  • By improving hemoglobin synthesis and red blood cell function, Ferrous Fumarate enhances the oxygencarrying ability of RBCs to different parts of the body.

  • This results in improved energy levels, reduced fatigue, and better physical performance, particularly in anemiaaffected populations.

• Anemia prevention and irondeficiency treatment

  • Ferrous Fumarate is highly effective at preventing anemia and treating irondeficiency conditions across diverse populations including pregnant women, children, and individuals with chronic blood loss.

  • Its proven clinical efficacy is supported by extensive literature demonstrating rapid correction of serum iron, ferritin, and hemoglobin levels.

• Reduced gastrointestinal side effects

  • Its organic structure and lower astringency profile minimize common iron supplement complaints such as constipation, nausea, and metallic taste.

  • Better tolerability supports patient compliance and sustained use in anemia management and nutritional supplementation.

• High iron density

  • Ferrous Fumarate contains ~32.8% elemental iron, allowing formulators to achieve required iron doses with smaller tablet or capsule sizes.

  • This improves palatability and ease of administration, particularly in pediatric and geriatric populations.

• Stable formulation compatibility

  • Does not easily oxidize to ferric iron under normal storage conditions, maintaining potency throughout shelf life.

  • Compatible with common excipients, vitamins (B, folic acid), and mineral cofortifiers used in multinutrient formulations.

Applications across sectors

• Pharmaceutical iron supplements and tonics

  • Core ingredient in oral iron replacement therapies for irondeficiency anemia, pregnancyrelated iron needs, and chronic blood loss conditions.

  • Formulated into tablets, capsules, syrups, and suspensions for pediatric, adult, and geriatric use.

• Nutraceutical and dietary supplements

  • Used in multivitamin and multimineral complexes, prenatal formulations, and athlete / energy supplements.

  • Preferred in premium supplement lines where bioavailability and tolerability are key marketing differentiators.

• Food fortification

  • Added to fortified cereals, flours, plantbased meat alternatives, and functional beverages to address populationlevel iron deficiency.

  • Delivers stable, nondiscoloring iron in food matrices while maintaining taste and texture.

• Clinical and hospital nutrition

  • Used in oral nutrition supplements and medical foods prescribed for postoperative recovery, chronic illness, and malnutrition support.

• Cosmetic and topical preparations

  • Functions as a colorant and chelating agent in select skincare and antiageing formulations where iron bioavailability is a secondary consideration.

Quality, safety and regulatory alignment

• Pharmaceuticalgrade purity

  • Manufactured to standards aligned with USP, BP, and EP specifications for pharmaceutical raw materials.

  • Each batch supplied with comprehensive Certificate of Analysis documenting iron content, heavy metal limits, and microbial safety.

• Bioavailability and efficacy validation

  • Supported by extensive clinical literature demonstrating absorption rates, hemoglobin response, and tolerability in diverse populations.

• Regulatory compliance

  • Approved for use in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food fortification applications across major markets including US FDA, European Union, India FSSAI, and WHO guidelines.

  • Complies with limits on heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic) and microbial contamination per international pharmacopeia.

• Stability and shelf life

  • Supplied in moistureresistant packaging (HDPE drums with inner lining or multilayer pouches) to ensure integrity throughout distribution and storage.

  • Typical shelf life: 2436 months under normal storage conditions (room temperature, low humidity).

Formulator and buyer benefits

• Efficacy and market positioning

  • Using Ferrous Fumarate allows brands to market products as "highly bioavailable," "easily absorbable," and "welltolerated," supporting premium positioning and customer loyalty.

• Dose flexibility and product development

  • High iron content per unit enables formulators to create lowerdose, smallersize formulations suitable for various populations.

  • Simplifies development of combination products (iron + vitamins + minerals) without excessive tablet burden.

• Supply reliability and consistency

  • Consistent batchtobatch iron content, particle size, and solubility support reproducible product performance and regulatory compliance.

• Technical support and documentation

  • Comprehensive technical data sheets, stability data, and formulation guidance support product development and regulatory registration dossiers.

Sourcing from Parth Industries

Parth Industries is a trusted manufacturer and supplier of pharmaceuticalgrade Ferrous Fumarate, serving pharmaceutical manufacturers, nutraceutical brands, food fortification programs, and contract formulators across India and key global markets. With ISOaligned quality systems, batchlevel COAs, MSDS documentation, and exportready compliance support, buyers can confidently source Ferrous Fumarate for OTC supplements, prescription medicines, and industrial fortification applications. Technical support, stability data, and customized supply agreements are available for volume users and longterm partnerships.

FAQs on Ferrous Fumarate

Q1. What is Ferrous Fumarate and why is it preferred over other iron supplements?
Ferrous Fumarate is an orangecoloured organic iron salt with chemical formula CHFeO and molar mass of 169.901 g/mol. It is preferred because of its superior bioavailability, reduced gastrointestinal side effects (such as constipation and metallic taste), and excellent shelflife stability compared to inorganic iron salts like ferrous sulphate.

Q2. What is the iron content and bioavailability of Ferrous Fumarate?
Ferrous Fumarate contains approximately 32.8% elemental iron by weight, making it one of the most irondense supplements available. Its organic structure ensures efficient absorption in the small intestine, supporting rapid correction of irondeficiency anemia and hemoglobin levels.

Q3. How does Ferrous Fumarate support red blood cell formation and oxygen transport?
Ferrous Fumarate plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells and management of hemoglobin levels. By providing readily absorbable iron, it enhances the oxygencarrying ability of red blood cells, improving oxygen delivery to different parts of the body and supporting energy, vitality, and physical performance.

Q4. How is Ferrous Fumarate used in pharmaceutical formulations?
It is formulated into tablets, capsules, syrups, and suspensions for oral iron replacement therapy. It is also combined with vitamins (B, folic acid) and minerals in multinutrient formulations to address anemia and support overall nutritional status.

Q5. Is Ferrous Fumarate suitable for pediatric and geriatric populations?
Yes. Its high iron density allows smaller, easiertoswallow dosage forms, and its reduced sideeffect profile makes it particularly suitable for sensitive populations including children, pregnant women, and elderly patients.

Q6. What are the physical properties and storage requirements for Ferrous Fumarate?
Ferrous Fumarate is an odorless orange powder with a melting point of approximately 200210 C and a density of 2.435 g/cm. It should be stored in a cool, dry, wellventilated area in moistureresistant packaging. Under normal storage conditions (room temperature, low humidity), it maintains potency for 2436 months without significant degradation or oxidation.

Q7. Can Ferrous Fumarate be used in food fortification?
Yes. It is widely used in fortification of cereals, flours, plantbased alternatives, and functional beverages. It delivers stable iron without discoloring the food matrix and is approved by major regulatory bodies including FSSAI, FDA, and EU regulations.

Q8. What regulatory approvals and standards does Ferrous Fumarate comply with?
Ferrous Fumarate is manufactured to USP, BP, and EP standards and is approved for use in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food fortification. It complies with limits on heavy metals and microbial contamination per international pharmacopeia and is suitable for markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and other regulated regions.