Iron Bisglycinate vs. Ferrous Sulfate: A Balanced Review
Overview of Iron Supplements with respect to Their Chemical Composition
What is an iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia remains among the major health conditions worldwide. The ultimate goals of iron replacement therapy are normalization of blood hemoglobin levels and iron stores, thereby providing more effective alleviation of symptoms related to fatigue, weakness, and decreased cognitive effectiveness.
Among the most frequently prescribed oral forms of iron therapy, there are very notable variations in bioavailability, tolerance, and elemental iron content between iron bisglycinate and ferrous sulfate (SABM).
Iron Bisglycinate
This is the chelated amino acid type of iron where the iron is complexed with amino acids that have a better absorption property of the metal with reduced side effect.
Ferrous sulfate
This is an iron salt, it is with a higher dose of elemental iron, but causes gastrointestinal upset.
Key Comparison Points Between Iron Bisglycinate and Ferrous Sulfate
Bioavailability and Absorption
Iron bisglycinate is absorbed far better than ferrous sulfate. Chelated iron is bonded with the amino acids. This will enhance absorption in the body.
It has been noted that the better absorption of iron bisglycinate has a consequence of enhanced efficacy at a lower dose with minimal gastrointestinal side effects often associated with larger doses of ferrous sulfate(SABM).
Iron Bisglycinate
A lower dose can be taken since the absorption is excellent.
Ferrous Sulfate: Although this is an effective iron, it needs relatively high doses because its absorption is less efficient than others, and the risk of side effects rises with higher dosage.
Gastrointestinal Tolerance
One of the primary contrasts between the two is tolerability. Issues including nausea, upset stomach, and constipation are brought on by ferrous sulfate.
Patients may experience poor compliance as a result, particularly for extended treatment cycles.
Iron bisglycinate causes much fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Hence, this preparation is safer for sensitive stomachs(SABM).
Ferrous Sulfate: High potential for gastrointestinal discomfort with this drug because of its elemental iron dose that is rather high.
Iron Bisglycinate: Generally well tolerated with minimal gastrointestinal complaints.
Clinical Efficacy of Iron Bisglycinate Compared to Ferrous Sulfate
Comparative Studies in Efficacy
Studies have directly compared the efficacy of these supplements, showing that both can be used to effectively manage iron deficiency anemia, but iron bisglycinate may offer some small advantage in bioavailability.
Patients receiving iron bisglycinate often experience comparable decreases in hemoglobin levels without the considerable side effects seen with ferrous sulfate (SABM).
Ferrous sulfate: much delivers a higher amount of elemental iron, about 65 mg per 325 mg tablet, but it is less effectively absorbed.
Iron bisglycinate: delivers a smaller amount of elemental iron but compensates for this by being better absorbed, so clinically equivalent or even better outcomes. Dosage and Elemental Iron Content.
The other significant variable is elemental iron content. Ferrous sulfate tablets contain 65 mg of elemental iron, whereas iron bisglycinate contains lower amounts of elemental iron per tablet; normally, it is around 25 mg, but due to better absorption, lesser doses are required(SABM).
Side Effects and Tolerability
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Most likely, the most common reason for cessation of iron supplementation therapy is due to gastrointestinal adverse effects, especially ferrous sulfate. The most common symptoms that have been reported are nausea and constipation, and abdominal discomfort. In contrast, iron bisglycinate chelated has already reduced the side effects presented by gastrointestinal distress. Thus, the drug improves patient compliance.
SABM).
Ferrous sulfate:
It has the highest rate of nausea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Iron Bisglycinate:
Less gastrointestinal disturbances since it is found chelated.
Other Possible Side Effects
Dark stools are a common, nontoxic side effect of iron therapy when taken orally. However, the constituents of iron bisglycinate contain less elemental iron than iron bisglycinate. Therefore, the risk of symptoms due to oxidative stress such as bloating and discomfort is decreased(SABM).
Price and Accessibility
Cost Comparison
Ferrous sulfate is significantly cheaper than iron bisglycinate and, therefore, much easier to acquire in resource-poor settings. For patients who have severe side effects or intolerance to iron salts, the higher cost of iron bisglycinate may be justifiable through its enhanced tolerability(SABM).
Availability
Both products are available as over-the-counter agents, though ferrous sulfate is more commonly so, as it has been more traditionally used and is less expensive(SABM).
FAQ
Which one of the above is more effective? Which is better?Use iron bisglycinate or ferrous sulfate?
Both agents are appropriate for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia but iron bisglycinate is better absorbed with fewer side effects and the ferrous sulfate contains more elemental iron besides being less expensive.
Which of these is better tolerated by patients with gastritis, or other sensitive stomachs?
Iron bisglycinate is normally better tolerated since it is administered in a chelated form, and one would anticipate less side effects adversely affecting the gastrointestinal system when compared to ferrous sulfate.
How long do these supplements have to work to elevate your iron levels?
Both supplements are expected to raise hemoglobin levels in 2-3 weeks; however, the full course of treatment may last months depending on the degree of deficiency(SABM).
Can I take these supplements with food?
Although it is more likely to cause less gastrointestinal side effects when iron supplements are taken with food, it decreases the absorption rate of iron up to 66%. Iron supplementation with vitamin C increases the absorption(SABM).
What about the cost?
Iron bisglycinate costs many, many times more than ferrous sulfate. Still, its increased tolerability may be well worth the cost to some patients.