Is Ferrochel Real Iron?
Yes, Ferrochel (ferrous bisglycinate chelate) is absolutely real elemental iron—it is simply iron bound to amino acids (glycine) in a stable chelate structure that delivers bioavailable ferrous iron (Fe2+) to the body. 1, 2
What Ferrochel Actually Is
Ferrochel is a proprietary form of iron amino acid chelate where ferrous iron (Fe2+) is chemically bound to two glycine molecules, creating ferrous bisglycinate chelate. 1, 2 This is not a different type of iron—it contains the same elemental iron that your body uses for hemoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport, and all other iron-dependent physiological processes. 3
- The iron in Ferrochel exists in the ferrous (Fe2+) state, which is one of the two common iron states in the human body alongside ferric iron (Fe3+). 3
- Once absorbed, this iron functions identically to iron from any other source—it participates in heme synthesis, becomes incorporated into hemoglobin, myoglobin, cytochromes, and other iron-containing proteins. 3
Bioavailability and Absorption
The key distinction of Ferrochel is not that it's a different kind of iron, but rather how efficiently it delivers iron to your body:
- Ferrochel has been demonstrated to be 2.5-3.4 times more bioavailable than ferrous sulfate (the traditional iron supplement). 4
- The chelate structure protects the iron during transit through the gastrointestinal tract, allowing for enhanced absorption with fewer gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. 1, 5
- Studies show that Ferrochel can effectively replete hemoglobin in children with iron deficiency anemia when used as a food fortifier at 3 mg iron/liter/day. 6
Safety Profile and Regulatory Status
The U.S. FDA has acknowledged Ferrochel as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use as a source of iron for food enrichment and fortification. 1
- The No Observable Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) is at least 500 mg/kg body weight in rats, the highest dose tested. 1, 2
- The acute oral LD50 for rats is 2800 mg/kg body weight (560 mg/kg as elemental iron). 2
Critical Clinical Caveat: Risk of Iron Overload
Despite its excellent safety profile in standard dosing, Ferrochel can cause secondary iron overload with prolonged use, just like any other iron supplement. 5
- A recent case report documented a mother and daughter who developed iron overload with elevated ferritin levels and increased transferrin saturation after long-term use of amino acid chelated iron supplements. 5
- MRI showed iron accumulation in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, requiring approximately two years of phlebotomy treatment. 5
- This highlights that Ferrochel should be treated as medicine rather than a casual supplement—ferritin levels should be monitored if administered for more than one year. 5
Comparative Effectiveness
In gastrectomized patients with iron deficiency anemia, ferrous sulfate (80 mg elemental iron daily) showed superior hematologic recovery compared to ferrous glycinate chelate (50 mg elemental iron daily) over 4 months. 4 However, this may reflect the lower elemental iron dose in the glycinate group rather than inferior bioavailability per milligram of iron delivered.
Bottom Line
Ferrochel delivers genuine elemental iron that your body uses exactly like iron from meat, ferrous sulfate, or any other source. The amino acid chelate is simply a delivery vehicle that enhances absorption and reduces side effects—but the iron itself is identical to iron from all other sources once it enters your bloodstream and tissues. 1, 2