Ferrous Bisglycinate

Ferrous bisglycinate is an iron amino acid chelate in which a single ferrous ion is co-ordinated by two glycine molecules, giving the composition C4H8FeN2O4 (CAS 20150-34-9, molecular weight 203.96). It is manufactured by reacting iron with a molar excess of glycine in a citric acid medium, the citric acid acting as an antioxidant to hold the metal in the divalent state; commercial chelate grades therefore commonly retain a small amount of citric acid, and some are standardised with carriers such as maltodextrin or silicon dioxide. On the anhydrous molecule the theoretical elemental iron content is 27.4% (Fe 55.845 divided by 203.96); traded grades carry a lower declared iron figure where citric acid, carriers or water of hydration are present, and Thovek supplies against the buyer's stated Fe percentage with the actual value reported on each batch certificate. The commercial interest in this form is structural rather than nutritional: because the iron is held within a chelate ring rather than present as a free ionic salt, formulators specify it in clear beverages, dairy analogues, infant and paediatric formats and flavour-sensitive powders where ionic iron from simple salts would interfere with colour and taste. Iron itself performs the same established functions in this form as in any other source, being a component of haemoglobin and of iron-dependent enzyme systems. Ferrous bisglycinate has been the subject of evaluation by EFSA for food and supplement use in the EU and has been recognised as generally safe in the United States since 2001. Material is supplied as a fine, free-flowing powder, milled to the mesh specification agreed at order stage, and is water soluble. Each lot is released with a certificate covering declared iron content, identity, loss on drying, particle size, microbiology and elemental impurities tested against the buyer's specification or ICH Q3D oral limits. Kosher, halal, non-GMO and allergen-free declarations are available, along with retention samples and third-party verification where a customer's own quality protocol calls for it.