Ferrous Sulfate: An Important Iron Supplement

 

Ferrous Sulfate

Ferrous sulfate is an inorganic compound with the formula FeSO4(H2O)x, where x can range from 0 - 7. In the dry solid form, it is commonly known as copperas. It is one of several iron supplements used to treat and prevent iron deficiency and the resulting anemia.

Composition and Properties

It consists of ferrous ions (Fe2+) bonded to sulfate in a monoclinic crystalline structure. It is usually sold as the heptahydrate iron (II) sulfate monohydrate FeSO4·7H2O, which appears as a white or greenish-white crystalline powder. The powder is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the air. It is soluble in water and its solutions have an acidic reaction. When heated, iron (II) sulfate decomposes, leaving iron(III) oxide. Chemically, it is classified as an ionic salt.

Uses of Iron (II) sulfate

Iron (II) sulfate is primarily used as an iron supplement for correcting iron deficiency and treating iron-deficiency anemia. This occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Iron (II) sulfate supplements or medicinal formulations provide bioavailable Ferrous Sulfate that can be absorbed in the digestive tract and utilized by the body. It is considered safe and has been used for this purpose for many decades. It is commonly available over-the-counter as tablets or capsules that are taken one or more times daily, usually with food to aid absorption.

Some other uses of iron (II) sulfate include its application as a coagulating agent in water treatment plants. It is added to raw water to facilitate the removal of solid impurities and suspended particles by clumping them together. Iron (II) sulfate also finds use as a nutritive agent in plant fertilizers. As an iron supplement, it supports chlorophyll formation and power plant metabolism in crops.

Nutritional Information and Absorption

Each iron (II) sulfate tablet or capsule typically contains 65 milligrams of elemental iron. At this amount, it provides 30% of the recommended daily value of 18 milligrams of iron for adult men and post-menopausal women. For pre-menopausal women, children, and pregnant/breastfeeding women, the recommended daily iron intake is higher.

Ferrous sulfate absorption takes place primarily in the duodenum region of the small intestine. It is absorbed more easily when taken with food, as certain compounds like vitamin C can enhance absorption. Factors like tea or calcium intake with meals may inhibit its absorption. It reaches peak levels in blood plasma around 2 hours after oral ingestion.

Side Effects

Minor side effects associated with iron (II) sulfate supplementation include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal discomfort, and black or dark stools. Sometimes inflammation of the stomach lining can also occur. To minimize gastrointestinal side effects, it is advised to take it with meals and to start with lower doses that are gradually increased.

Prolonged daily intake of more than 150 milligrams per day may cause hemosiderosis, an excessive accumulation of iron in body tissues which can damage organs. This is usually not a problem when taking iron (II) sulfate at recommended daily doses for medicinal purposes under medical guidance. However, megadoses should always be avoided.

Allergic reactions involving itching or rashes may sometimes occur due to iron (II) sulfate intake. If side effects persist or become severe despite lowered dosages, it's best to consult a healthcare provider for guidance or to consider alternative iron supplements. Prolonged overdose can potentially be life-threatening.

Dosing and Precautions

Iron (II) sulfate supplemental dosing depends on the concentration and intended use. The standard therapeutic dose for iron-deficiency anemia treatment or prevention is 65 milligrams of elemental iron taken daily, which equates to 325 mg of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate. This provides adequate absorption when taken with meals to compensate for iron losses. Higher doses may be used under medical advice when iron deficiency is more severe.

It should not be taken in over the counter doses exceeding 150 milligrams per day except based on a healthcare practitioner's recommendation. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before use. Iron (II) sulfate can interact with some medications like antibiotics so it's important to check with a pharmacist regarding any drug interactions. Proper absorption also depends on dietary factors so a healthy balanced diet is recommended.

Ferrous sulfate is a highly effective inorganic iron supplement used globally to treat iron-deficiency anemia. When taken as a medicinal supplement at recommended daily doses with meals, it is generally well tolerated and safe. Its affordable availability in both prescription and over-the-counter forms has made iron (II) sulfate a mainstay in both developing and developed nations for addressing iron-deficiency related health issues for many decades. _

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