What is the Difference Between Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Sulfate

Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells and hemoglobin. Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, so when there’s a deficiency, the body can’t produce enough of it. Ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate are two iron supplements that help to prevent anemia.

What is the difference between ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate? Ferrous fumarate contains iron and fumaric acid, while ferrous sulfate contains iron and sulfuric acid.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Ferrous Fumarate 
      – Definition, Features 
2. What is Ferrous Sulfate
      – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Sulfate
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Sulfate
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Sulfate
      – Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

Ferrous Fumarate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Supplements 

What is Ferrous Fumarate

Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron supplement used to treat and prevent anemia. Ferrous fumarate is useful as a supplement because the body easily absorbs it. This supplement is prescribed to individuals with anemia or who are at risk of developing it, as well as pregnant mothers.

Ferrous fumarate can cause side effects in some people. These effects include stomach upset, constipation, nausea, and diarrhea. Sometimes, these side effects can be managed by adjusting the dosage or taking the supplement with food. It is always advised to consult a healthcare professional before taking these supplements, as excess dosage may be harmful to the body.

What is Ferrous Sulfate

Ferrous sulfate has the chemical formula FeSO₄. It is also called as iron (II) sulfate. When hydrated, it appears as a pale blue-green crystalline solid. Ferrous sulfate has many uses and applications, ranging from medicine to industry.

In medicine, ferrous sulfate is considered a good supplement for the condition of anemia due to deficiency. Ferrous sulfate helps restore the iron stores in the body, reducing anemic conditions.

Ferrous sulfate is also useful in water treatment. The role of the compound here is to act as a flocculant to remove impurities and to make water clearer. Ferrous sulfate also finds itself used in the production of inks, dyes, and pigments, especially in the production of iron oxide pigments used in the coloring of concrete and other construction materials.

Ferrous sulfate is utilized in agriculture as a soil amendment to correct iron deficiency in plants, thereby promoting healthy growth and development. It can be applied directly to the soil or foliar sprayed onto plant leaves.

Similarities Between Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Sulfate

1. Both contain elemental iron, which is easily absorbed by the body.
2. They can both cause similar side effects, such as constipation, nausea, and stomach upset.

Difference Between Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Sulfate

Definition

• Ferrous fumarate is iron(II) fumarate and has the chemical formula FeC₄H₂O₄, while ferrous Sulfate is iron(II) sulfate and has the chemical formula FeSO₄.

Form of Iron

• Ferrous fumarate contains iron in the form of ferrous ions bonded to fumaric acid, while ferrous sulfate contains iron in the form of ferrous ions bonded to sulfuric acid.

Bioavailability

• Ferrous sulfate generally has higher bioavailability than ferrous fumarate, meaning the body more readily absorbs it.

Iron Percentage

• Ferrous sulfate typically contains a higher percentage of elemental iron compared to ferrous fumarate.

Conclusion

While both are effective treatments for iron deficiency anemia, there is a difference between ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate in their chemical composition, bioavailability, and elemental iron content. Ferrous sulfate generally offers higher bioavailability and elemental iron percentage compared to ferrous fumarate. However, both supplements can cause similar side effects and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

FAQ: Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Sulfate

1. What is the advantage of ferrous fumarate?

Ferrous fumarate has a higher concentration of elemental iron compared to other iron salts. This means that patients may need to take fewer tablets to achieve the desired iron supplementation, potentially reducing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Additionally, ferrous fumarate is often better tolerated by some people.

2. Which ferrous is best for anemia?

Ferrous sulfate is commonly used to treat iron deficiency anemia because it’s effective and affordable. It’s often the first choice for patients needing to replenish iron stores and increase hemoglobin levels.

3. How can I raise my hemoglobin quickly?

To quickly raise hemoglobin levels, focus on increasing your intake of iron-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals. Try to pair these foods with sources of vitamin C, like citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and tomatoes, to enhance iron absorption. Additionally, include folate-rich foods like leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, and fortified grains in your diet to support red blood cell production.

4. What is better than ferrous sulphate?

Iron salts like iron hydroxide poly-maltose complex (IPC) and ferrous ascorbate (FeA) are believed to cause less gastrointestinal discomfort, leading to better patient compliance compared to ferrous sulfate (FS). 

Reference:

1. “Ferrous Fumarate – Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD.
2. “Ferrous Sulfate Tablet, Delayed Release (Enteric Coated) – Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Iron(II)fumarate” By Ilgom – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “e(H2O)6SO4” By Smokefoot – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia