Iron(II) gluconate

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Iron(II) gluconate, also known as ferrous gluconate, is a form of iron used as a dietary supplement to treat iron deficiency and anemia. It is the iron(II) salt of gluconic acid and is sold under brand names such as Fergon, Ferralet, and Simron.

What it’s for
- Treat iron deficiency anemia and help raise hemoglobin and iron stores.
- In food processing, it’s used as a colorant for processed black olives (labelled E579 in Europe).

How it works
- It supplies iron that the body uses to make red blood cells. Many people see a rise in hemoglobin after starting ferrous gluconate.

Forms and how to take
- Available as tablets, capsules, oral liquids, or effervescent tablets.
- Taken with water as directed by a healthcare provider.
- It dissolves well in water and glycerin, but not in alcohol.

Safety and overdose
- Overdose can be dangerous, especially for children.
- Toxicity in children can begin around 10–20 mg/kg of elemental iron; serious toxicity is more likely above about 60 mg/kg.
- Poisoning can affect the stomach, heart, lungs, liver, nervous system, and skin. Symptoms may appear, disappear, then return, so seek medical help if overdose is suspected.

Other notes
- It has a slight caramel odor and can appear as a light yellow to brown powder.
- In supplements, it’s used to treat iron deficiency and, in olives, primarily as a colorant that darkens the product.