The terms “ferrous supplements” and “iron supplements” are often used interchangeably, although in a technical sense, they can refer to different forms of iron present in nutritional supplements. Iron supplements usually contain iron in various chemical forms.
Iron is a vital mineral required for several bodily functions, including the synthesis of hemoglobin, an oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Iron supplements are commonly used to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Commercially available iron-containing preparations vary widely in dosage, salt, and chemical state of the iron (ferrous or ferric form) contained in the preparation, as well as in the form of rapid or prolonged release. However, in clinical practice, divalent iron salts such as FS, ferrous gluconate, and ferrous fumarate are more widely used and are preferred over ferric iron preparations, as recommended by the WHO.
FS preparations usually have good bioavailability (between 10 and 15%), whereas the bioavailability of ferric iron preparations is 3 to 4 times lower than that of conventional FS. This is due to the extremely poor solubility of ferric iron in alkaline media and the fact that ferric iron needs to be transformed into ferrous iron before being absorbed. Among ferrous preparations, FS remains the standard and established treatment for iron deficiency, given its acceptable tolerability, high effectiveness and low cost.
Iron-fortified liquid supplements
What types of iron are used in liquid supplements?
Iron supplements are traditionally available in liquid or tablet form. A liquid iron supplement is a great option if you are unable to comfortably take pills or simply prefer the ease of a liquid to a tablet. Many people also prefer the taste of a liquid, which is made from fruit juice concentrates for better flavor.
When it comes to the liquid format, oral ferrous gluconate in liquid form is more effective and, importantly, better tolerated than other solid or liquid formulations containing elemental iron. Liquid iron supplements may be more effective and better tolerated than iron supplement tablets.
The iron contained in supplements is usually in the form of ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferric citrate, or ferric sulfate. These forms of iron have been selected for their effectiveness and compatibility with other active ingredients.What is the target population for these supplements?
Certain groups of people are more likely than others to have trouble getting enough iron:
Teenagers and women with heavy periods.
Pregnant women
Babies (especially if they are premature or have low birth weight)
Frequent blood donors
People with cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, or heart failureWhat are the main active ingredients in these supplements?
In addition to iron, these supplements are often fortified with vitamin C, zinc, vitamin B1 and vitamin B12, key elements for immune support, cognitive development and mental health.
What flavors and formats are preferred by consumers?
Los formatos populares incluyenWhat flavors and formats are preferred by consumers?
Popular formats include syrup, sticks and drops, and favorite flavors tend to be citrus and red fruits, which offer a pleasant experience to the consumer.
LIPOFER™ Microcapsules
LIPOFER™ microcapsules is a water-dispersible micronized iron source that has been microencapsulated to enhance iron absorption and reduce undesirable organoleptic attributes, thus allowing for the enrichment of various types of foods and dietary supplements.
Iron fortification is generally considered the best method to prevent or eradicate iron deficiency, however, the chemical reactivity of iron species and their affinity to various components of food systems often result in the generation of discoloration or unpleasant flavors, as well as reduced bioavailability of the mineral.
Microencapsulation is currently considered the leading solution to overcome these limitations, as it provides a uniform and stable protective layer to the active ingredient. It is a microencapsulated iron source, which is designed to reduce iron reactivity while simultaneously improving its bioavailability.
Applications
LIPOFER™ by Lubrizol can be used in powdered milk, dairy products and dietary supplements including capsules, tablets, chewable and effervescent tablets, orosoluble powders, drops, syrups, etc. It is recommended for Anemias, Immune System, Cognitive Development, Muscle Energy, Perinatal Risk for Mothers and Newborns.
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