Elemental Iron Content in Ferrous Sulfate 325 mg
A 325 mg ferrous sulfate tablet contains 65 mg of elemental iron. 1
Detailed Information on Ferrous Sulfate Iron Content
Ferrous sulfate is one of the most commonly prescribed oral iron preparations for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. The elemental iron content varies depending on the specific formulation:
- Ferrous sulfate 325 mg contains 65 mg of elemental iron 1
- This provides approximately 362% of the U.S. recommended daily intake (RDI) of iron for adults and children 4 years and older 1
Comparison with Other Iron Preparations
According to clinical guidelines, different iron salt preparations contain varying amounts of elemental iron:
| Formulation | Preparation | Dose | Elemental Iron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferrous sulfate | Tablet | 200 mg | 65 mg |
| Ferrous sulfate | MR tablet | 325 mg | 105 mg |
| Ferrous sulfate | MR capsule | 150 mg | 48 mg |
| Ferrous gluconate | Tablet | 300 mg | 37 mg |
| Ferrous fumarate | Tablet | 210 mg | 69 mg |
| Ferrous fumarate | Tablet | 322 mg | 106 mg |
Clinical Implications
The elemental iron content is important for dosing considerations:
- For treatment of iron deficiency anemia, guidelines recommend 50-100 mg of elemental iron daily 2
- A single 325 mg ferrous sulfate tablet provides 65 mg of elemental iron, which falls within this recommended range
- When prescribing iron supplements, clinicians should consider the elemental iron content rather than the total weight of the compound
Dosing Considerations
For optimal absorption and effectiveness:
- Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach
- Food can reduce iron absorption by up to 50% if taken within 2 hours before or 1 hour after an iron supplement 2
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea
Important Note on Modified Release Formulations
It's worth noting that modified release (MR) ferrous sulfate 325 mg tablets contain a higher amount of elemental iron (105 mg) compared to standard ferrous sulfate 325 mg tablets (65 mg) 2. This distinction is important when prescribing specific formulations.