Typical dose
Typical therapeutic doses range from 60-200 mg o...
Oral
Oral safety: moderate
About this supplement
Ferrous fumarate is an iron salt of fumaric acid, used as an iron supplement to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. It contains approximately 33% elemental iron by weight, making it a concentrated source of bioavailable iron. This specific chemical form is known for its relatively good gastrointestinal tolerability compared to some other iron salts like ferrous sulfate, though it can still cause side effects. It is commonly used in oral supplements and fortified foods due to its stability and cost-effectiveness. The iron in ferrous fumarate is in the ferrous (Fe²⁺) state, which is more readily absorbed in the duodenum and proximal jejunum than ferric (Fe³⁺) iron.
How much to take
- Typical amount
- Typical therapeutic doses range from 60-200 mg of elemental iron daily, divided into 2-3 doses. This corresponds to approximately 180-600 mg of ferrous fumarate daily. For prevention, lower doses (e.g., 30-60 mg elemental iron daily) may be used.
- Suggested range
- 30-200 mg elemental iron daily
Potential benefits
Benefits linked to this supplement form:
Things to watch for
Possible side effects linked to this form:
Health goals
Needs and goals this form may help with:
Other forms of Iron
Compare absorption and active amounts with sibling forms:
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Highly bioavailable, gentle iron form.
Iron ascorbate
Iron Bile salt
Iron Bile salt (unspecified)
Iron Fructo-Oligosaccharides
Iron oxide
Iron picolinate
Iron pyrite
Polysaccharide-Iron Complex
Iron supplement with improved gastrointestinal tolerance.
Technical details ▼
Chemical ID (CAS)
141-01-5
Formula
C4H2FeO4
Physical properties
Reddish-brown or reddish-orange powder or granules. Slightly soluble in water, more soluble in dilute acids. Odorless. Stable in dry air but may oxidize in moist air. Typically supplied as a fine powder for tablet or capsule formulation.
How it’s made
Ferrous fumarate is produced synthetically through a chemical reaction between fumaric acid and a ferrous compound (typically ferrous sulfate or ferrous carbonate) in an aqueous solution under controlled pH conditions. The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed, dried, and milled to the desired particle size for pharmaceutical use.