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Ferric Ammonium Citrate – Uses, Effects & Dosage

Ferric ammonium citrate is a water-soluble iron compound used as a dietary supplement, food additive, and pharmaceutical ingredient for treating iron deficiency.

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Things worth knowing about "Ferric Ammonium Citrate"

Ferric ammonium citrate is a water-soluble iron compound used as a dietary supplement, food additive, and pharmaceutical ingredient for treating iron deficiency.

What is Ferric Ammonium Citrate?

Ferric ammonium citrate is a water-soluble iron compound composed of trivalent iron (Fe³+), ammonium ions, and citrate. It appears as a brownish-red powder and dissolves readily in water. The compound has diverse applications in medicine, the food industry, and pharmaceutical research.

Mechanism of Action

Ferric ammonium citrate provides trivalent iron (Fe³+), which is essential for numerous vital processes in the body. In the gastrointestinal tract, ferric iron is converted to its divalent form (Fe²+) before being absorbed through specific transport proteins in the enterocytes (intestinal cells). Iron is a core component of haemoglobin and myoglobin, making it indispensable for oxygen transport in the blood and cellular energy production.

Medical Uses

Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anaemia

The primary medical application of ferric ammonium citrate is the treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. It is frequently formulated in liquid oral preparations such as drops or syrups, owing to its high solubility and gastrointestinal tolerability.

Food Additive (E381)

In the food industry, ferric ammonium citrate is approved as a food additive under the designation E381. It is used to fortify foods with iron, for example in enriched cereal products, infant formula, and dietary supplements. It also serves as an anti-caking agent in table salt, preventing clumping.

Pharmaceutical and Diagnostic Applications

Ferric ammonium citrate is also used in diagnostic imaging. In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), it can function as an oral contrast agent to enhance visualisation of the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, it is used in microbiological research as an iron source in culture media.

Dosage and Usage Notes

The dosage of ferric ammonium citrate depends on the individual iron requirements and the intended use. For treating iron deficiency, dosing is determined by a qualified healthcare professional. Recommendations from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) suggest a daily iron intake of 11–16 mg for adults, varying by sex and age. Iron supplements are ideally taken on an empty stomach or alongside vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which enhances iron absorption.

Side Effects and Tolerability

Ferric ammonium citrate is generally well tolerated. Possible side effects include:

Gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, or vomiting
Constipation or diarrhoea
Dark discolouration of stools (harmless, due to iron excretion)
In rare cases: allergic reactions

Excessive iron intake may lead to iron overload, which can damage the liver and other organs. Individuals with haemochromatosis (hereditary iron storage disorder) should only use iron preparations under medical supervision.

Interactions

Ferric ammonium citrate may interact with various substances:

Tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones: Iron can reduce the absorption of these antibiotics.
Levothyroxine: Concurrent use may reduce the efficacy of the thyroid hormone.
Calcium and magnesium: May inhibit iron absorption.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): Enhances iron absorption.

References

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on Dietary Reference Values for Iron. EFSA Journal, 2015.
World Health Organization (WHO): Iron Deficiency Anaemia – Assessment, Prevention, and Control. Geneva, 2001.
Zimmermann M.B., Hurrell R.F.: Nutritional iron deficiency. The Lancet, 2007; 370(9586):511–520.

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