Product Detailed Description

liposomal Ferrous Citrate 80% — High Bioavailability Gentle Iron Supplement

Product Overview

Liposomal Ferrous Citrate 80% is a premium-grade dietary supplement ingredient delivering ferrous citrate in an advanced liposomal delivery system. Ferrous citrate (CAS 23383-11-1), also known as iron(II) citrate or iron(2+) 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate, is the ferrous salt of citric acid. It is chemically characterized by the molecular formula C₆H₆FeO₇ and a molecular weight of 245.95 g/mol. It is typically a white to slightly colored crystalline solid or powder.

Ferrous citrate provides iron in the more readily absorbed Fe²⁺ state, making it a compound of particular therapeutic interest compared to its oxidized counterpart, ferric citrate (iron(III) citrate). The citrate anion enhances iron's bioavailability while minimizing side effects, and the compound was designed to address the limitations of earlier iron salts that were poorly absorbed and often caused gastrointestinal discomfort. Iron is an essential trace mineral required for hemoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport, electron transfer, and numerous enzymatic reactions.

Why Liposomal Technology?

Conventional ferrous citrate, while already offering superior bioavailability compared to many inorganic iron salts, still faces challenges related to its relative instability in air and the regulated nature of intestinal iron absorption.

Liposomal encapsulation provides four critical advantages:

1. Oxidation Protection — Ferrous citrate is unstable in the presence of air and can oxidize to the ferric (Fe³⁺) form, which is less readily absorbed. The phospholipid bilayer shields the ferrous iron from oxygen and preserves its bioactive state until reaching absorption sites.

2. Gastric Protection — The liposomal phospholipid bilayer is similar to cell membranes in the human body. It protects the iron-citrate complex from premature interaction with gastric contents and dietary inhibitors, preserving its intact structure until reaching optimal absorption sites in the small intestine.

3. Enhanced Cellular Uptake — liposomes fuse directly with intestinal cell membranes, facilitating efficient cellular delivery via lipid-mediated pathways. A study demonstrated that ferric citrate liposomes prepared by rotary-evaporated film-ultrasonication achieved a 54% increase in serum iron levels compared to free ferric citrate.

4. Reduced Gastrointestinal Side Effects — Ferrous citrate is noted for its enhanced bioavailability and reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to other iron salts. Liposomal encapsulation further minimizes direct contact between iron and the gastrointestinal mucosa, improving tolerability for individuals who cannot tolerate other iron supplements.

Product Specifications

Key Features

• High Purity — Standardized to ≥80% ferrous citrate, with elemental iron content of 16.0%–20.0%.

• Liposomal Enhancement — Phospholipid bilayer encapsulation protects ferrous iron from oxidation and enhances cellular delivery through lipid-mediated pathways, achieving a 54% increase in serum iron levels compared to free ferric citrate in preclinical studies.

• Superior Bioavailability — Ferrous iron is more readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract compared to ferric iron, and the citrate component aids in solubility and absorption.

• Gentle on the Stomach — Ferrous citrate is often preferred in clinical settings for its enhanced bioavailability and reduced gastrointestinal side effects, making it suitable for individuals who cannot tolerate other iron supplements.

• Clinically Validated for Anemia — Sodium ferrous citrate, a related ferrous citrate compound, significantly improves hemoglobin and hematocrit levels in patients with iron deficiency anemia after 4 to 8 weeks of supplementation with 50 mg elemental iron.

• Water-Dispersible — Suitable for capsules, tablets, powder drink mixes, functional beverages, and food fortification applications.

• Batch Traceability — Complete COA, HPLC chromatogram, and identity data provided for each batch.

Application & Formulation Guidance

Recommended Dosage

Clinical guidelines for ferrous citrate and sodium ferrous citrate recommend 100–200 mg of elemental iron per day in one or two divided doses after meals for adults. Commercial products providing 14 mg elemental iron per tablet are available, with a suggested intake of one tablet daily with a meal. For pediatric use, liquid formulations are preferred for infants and young children because they are easier to administer and absorb. Iron intake above 20 mg may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances in some individuals. The Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for iron is 45 mg per day for adults. Liposomal formulations may allow for more efficient utilization of lower doses due to enhanced bioavailability.

Shipping & Lead Time

• Stock Orders: 3–7 business days after payment confirmation.

• Bulk / Custom Orders: 2–3 weeks, depending on quantity and customization requirements.

• Shipping Methods: International Express (FedEx, DHL, UPS), air freight, and sea freight.

• Coverage: Worldwide shipping, including remote areas.

• Shipping Conditions: Ferrous citrate should be shipped in tightly sealed containers, protected from moisture and light, and handled as a non-hazardous chemical under normal conditions.