What is the Difference Between Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Sulfate

Anaemia is a condition that occurs when the number of red blood cells or the amount of haemoglobin in the blood is not sufficient. This deficiency may lead to conditions such as weakness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate are both iron supplements commonly used to treat iron deficiency anaemia.

What is the difference between ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate? Ferrous gluconate contains less elemental iron than ferrous sulfate.

Key Areas Covered

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

Key Terms

C₁₂H₂₄FeO₁₄, FeSO₄, Ferrous Gluconate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron (II) Sulfate

What is Ferrous Gluconate

Ferrous gluconate (C₁₂H₂₄FeO₁₄) is a type of iron supplement that helps to prevent and treat iron deficiency anaemia. One major elemental composition of ferrous gluconate is iron. It is an essential mineral to the body. Iron is used by the body to produce haemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to all over the body. When there is a deficiency in iron, it results in an anaemic condition.

Ferrous gluconate is generally more gentle on the stomach than other compounds like ferrous sulfate or ferrous fumarate. It is less likely to cause digestive discomfort.

Though ferrous gluconate can effectively increase the iron content in the body, it is always advised that dosage instructions be followed carefully. Taking too much iron should be avoided as it may be harmful, especially in children.

Anyway, it is always advised to consult a healthcare provider before starting any iron supplements. It is also important that these supplements are stored safely out of reach of children, as accidental overdoses can be serious.

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 deficiency of anaemia. Ferrous sulfate helps to restore the iron stores in the body, reducing anaemic conditions.

Ferrous sulfate is also used 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 colouring 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.

Apart from its various uses, ferrous sulfate should be handled with care due to its potential toxicity. Furthermore, ingestion or inhalation of large amounts can cause adverse effects, and precautions should be taken to prevent accidental exposure.

Similarities Between Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Sulfate

1. Both are iron supplements that prevent anaemic conditions in the body.
2. They both provide elemental iron.

Difference Between Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Sulfate

Definition 

• Ferrous gluconate is a type of iron supplement with the chemical formula C₁₂H₂₄FeO₁₄ while ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement with the chemical formula FeSO_4.

Structure

• Ferrous gluconate contains iron in the form of ferrous ions bound to gluconate molecules, while ferrous sulfate contains iron in the form of ferrous ions bound to sulfate molecules.

Bioavailability

• Ferrous sulfate generally has a higher bioavailability when compared to ferrous gluconate.

Side Effects

• Ferrous sulfate may cause more gastrointestinal side effects like constipation and stomach upset compared to ferrous gluconate.

Conclusion

Ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate are iron supplements that prevent and treat iron deficiency anaemia. While ferrous gluconate contains less elemental iron and is gentler on the stomach, ferrous sulfate has higher bioavailability and is popular for its efficacy in replenishing iron stores. Each compound has its advantages and considerations, with ferrous sulfate being the mainstay treatment for iron deficiency anaemia.

FAQ: Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Sulfate

1. What is better, ferrous gluconate or ferrous sulfate?

Ferrous gluconate is often sold as a liquid, and some studies suggest it’s absorbed better than ferrous sulfate tablets. However, ferrous gluconate has less iron than ferrous sulfate, so you might need to take more of it to fix an iron deficiency.

2. Which ferrous is best for anaemia?

Ferrous sulfate is the standard treatment for treating patients with iron deficiency anaemia, which is a condition that occurs when the amount of haemoglobin in the blood or the number of red blood cells is not sufficient.

3. What is the advantage of ferrous gluconate?

Ferrous gluconate offers a practical solution for treating or preventing low blood iron levels, commonly seen in conditions like anaemia or during pregnancy. As an iron supplement, it helps replenish the body’s iron stores, which are crucial for functions like red blood cell production and oxygen transport.

4. Who should not take ferrous gluconate?

You should not use ferrous gluconate if you are allergic to it or if you have iron overload disorder (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis), hemolytic anemia (caused by the breakdown of red blood cells).

Reference:

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

Image Courtesy:

1. “Fe(H2O)6SO4” By Smokefoot – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Ferrous Gluconate” By Edgar181 – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia