Iron Bisglycinate
Also known as: ferrous bisglycinate, Ferrochel, iron glycinate, chelated iron, ferrous bis-glycinate chelate
Ferrous iron chelated with two glycine molecules, the form most prenatal and gentle-iron products now use. A 2023 meta-analysis of randomized trials found it raised hemoglobin and ferritin at least as well as ferrous sulfate at equal or lower elemental doses, with fewer gastrointestinal complaints. Commercial chelate delivers about 20% elemental iron. The Ferrochel trade name from Balchem is the best-known grade, but generic bisglycinate is widely available.
Research summary
Supplies ferrous iron for hemoglobin, myoglobin, and iron-dependent enzymes; the glycine chelate shields iron from dietary inhibitors and limits free-radical irritation of the gut lining.
Dosage
Daily amounts, elemental (20% of the compound is the element).
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mg | 18–30 mg | 45 mg | 45 mg |
NIH ODS — UL of 45 mg/day for adults; higher amounts are used only under medical supervision
Doses are elemental iron. Better tolerated on an empty stomach than iron salts, but taking it with food is fine if nausea occurs. Alternate-day dosing improves fractional absorption by letting hepcidin fall. Trials have used 60 mg/day or more in anemia protocols; the app caps at the 45 mg UL, and higher amounts belong under medical supervision. Commercial bisglycinate is ≈ 20% Fe — verify against the certificate of analysis. Iron is a leading cause of poisoning in young children; keep out of reach.
Source material: synthetic chelate (ferrous iron with glycine)
As supplied: ≈ 20% Fe; 18 mg elemental ≈ 90 mg compound
Forms of Iron
| Form | Typical dose | Element % | Formats | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Bisglycinate | 18–30 mg | 20% | Capsule, Powder, Tablet, Gummy, Liquid | mid |
| Iron (Ferrous Sulfate) | 18–45 mg | 20% | Capsule, Tablet, Liquid | low |
| Iron (Ferrous Fumarate) | 18–45 mg | 33% | Capsule, Tablet, Powder | low |
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Compact at normal doses. Less metallic than sulfate, so it works in gummies and liquids; still darkens some formulations over time.
Formulation notes
Vitamin C taken in the same serving raises non-heme iron absorption and is the classic pairing. Separate from calcium, zinc of 25 mg or more, tea, coffee, and antacids by about two hours. Iron lowers absorption of levothyroxine, tetracyclines, quinolones, and levodopa.
- Has an upper limit
Sources
- Iron — Health Professional Fact SheetNIH ODS
- The effects of oral ferrous bisglycinate supplementation on hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in adults and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (Fischer 2023)PubMed
- Iron absorption from oral iron supplements given on consecutive versus alternate days and as single morning doses versus twice-daily split dosing in iron-depleted women: two open-label, randomised controlled trials (Stoffel 2017)PubMed
Related ingredients
Iron (Ferrous Sulfate)
MineralThe reference iron salt used in most clinical research and public-health programs, inexpensive and reliably absorbed.
Typical: 18–45 mg
Potassium Iodide
MineralThe standard iodine source in multivitamins, prenatals, and thyroid-support formulas, about 76.5% iodine by weight and absorbed almost completely.
Typical: 150–300 mcg
Iron (Ferrous Fumarate)
MineralA ferrous salt of fumaric acid that carries about 33% elemental iron, the highest of the common iron forms, which keeps tablets small.
Typical: 18–45 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)
VitaminPyridoxine hydrochloride is the standard, inexpensive, and highly stable form of vitamin B6 used in nearly all multivitamins and B-complex products.
Typical: 1.7–50 mg
Kelp (Iodine)
MineralBrown seaweed, usually Laminaria or Ascophyllum species, used as a whole-food iodine source in thyroid and multimineral formulas.
Typical: 150–300 mcg