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Iron (II) Citrate Complex as a Food Supplement: Synthesis, Characterization and Complex Stability
Daniele Naviglio1, Maria Michela Salvatore2, Marianna Limatola3
1Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via Cintia, 4, 80126 Naples, Italy. naviglio@unina.it.
Nutrients
|November 8, 2018
Summary
A new, simple method synthesizes iron (II) citrate, a highly bioavailable iron supplement. This alternative addresses issues with current iron supplements, offering improved iron absorption for deficiency treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Iron deficiency is a prevalent global health issue, particularly affecting women.
- Existing iron supplements have limitations, including nutrient imbalances and poor bioavailability.
- There is a need for improved iron supplement alternatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and straightforward synthesis method for a solid iron (II) citrate complex.
- To evaluate the synthesized compound as a potential food supplement or additive.
- To confirm the composition and purity of the synthesized iron (II) citrate.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of iron (II) citrate from iron filings and citric acid.
- Characterization using analytical techniques: combustion analysis, thermogravimetry, X-ray diffractometry, UV/Vis spectrophotometry.
- Determination of atomic composition and purity.
Main Results:
- A crystalline solid corresponding to the formula FeC₆H₆O₇∙H₂O was successfully synthesized.
- The synthesized compound exclusively contains iron (II).
- The results confirm the high purity and defined atomic composition of the iron (II) citrate.
Conclusions:
- The developed method provides an efficient route to produce iron (II) citrate.
- Iron (II) citrate offers high bioavailability due to the presence of iron (II), superior to iron (III).
- This synthesized compound presents a promising alternative to existing iron supplements for addressing iron deficiency.
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