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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-08-04 Origin: Site
Ferrous Bisglycinate (also known as iron bisglycinate, ferrous glycinate chelate, or iron(II) bisglycinate) is a chelated mineral compound in which one ferrous iron atom (Fe²⁺) is bound to two glycine molecules through coordinate covalent bonds. With CAS number 20150-34-9 and molecular formula C₄H₈FeN₂O₄ (molecular weight: 203.96 g/mol), it is one of the most widely adopted iron sources in food fortification, dietary supplement manufacturing, and animal nutrition worldwide.
Ferrous Bisglycinate belongs to the amino acid chelate family of minerals. Unlike simple inorganic iron salts, the iron atom in ferrous bisglycinate is protected within a stable ring structure formed by two glycine ligands:
Property | Value |
CAS Number | 20150-34-9 |
Molecular Formula | C₄H₈FeN₂O₄ |
Molecular Weight | 203.96 g/mol |
EINECS | 243-772-0 |
Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline powder |
Odor | Odorless |
Taste | Nearly tasteless |
Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
Iron Content (typical) | 20% (as Fe²⁺) |
pH (1% solution) | 6.0–8.0 |
Stability | Stable under normal storage conditions; protect from moisture and strong oxidizing agents |
The chelate structure is critical to its functional properties: the glycine ligands shield the iron ion from interacting with other dietary components (such as phytates, polyphenols, and calcium), which would otherwise reduce iron availability in formulated products.
Ferrous Bisglycinate is commercially supplied in multiple grades to serve different end-use sectors:
Food Grade
● — Compliant with FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) and JECFA specifications. Used in fortified foods including infant formula, milk powder, breakfast cereals, and powdered beverage mixes.
Feed Grade
● — For animal nutrition applications: premixes, compound feed, pet food, and aquafeed.
USP / Pharma Grade
● — Meeting pharmacopoeia monographs for use as a raw material in dietary supplement manufacturing.
Ferrous Bisglycinate is a preferred iron source for large-scale food fortification programs and commercial fortified food products. Its chelated structure means it does not catalyze fat oxidation or cause undesirable color changes in sensitive food matrices — a common problem with ferrous sulfate and other free iron salts.
Common fortified food categories:
● Infant formula and follow-on formula
● Milk powder and dairy-based drinks
● Breakfast cereals and cereal bars
● Wheat flour and maize flour (mandatory fortification programs)
● Powdered nutritional beverages
● Bouillon cubes and condiments (salt, soy sauce, fish sauce)
The compound's organoleptic neutrality (no metallic aftertaste, no discoloration) makes it especially valuable in products where sensory quality is non-negotiable.
As a raw material for the dietary supplement industry, ferrous bisglycinate is formulated into:
● Capsules and tablets
● Effervescent tablets
● Powdered stick packs and sachets
● Gummies and soft chews
● Liquid oral formulations
The chelated form allows formulators to use lower elemental iron dosages while achieving comparable iron delivery to higher doses of conventional iron salts, which supports cleaner label positioning and better consumer acceptance.
In the feed industry, ferrous bisglycinate serves as an organic trace mineral source in:
Animal Sector | Typical Application |
Swine | Sow premixes, piglet creep feed |
Poultry | Broiler and layer diets |
Aquaculture | Shrimp and fish feed |
Pet Food | Premium dog and cat food formulations |
Ruminants | Dairy cow mineral supplements |
Organic chelated minerals are increasingly preferred over inorganic sources (sulfates, oxides) in modern animal nutrition because they demonstrate higher bioavailability and lower excretion of unabsorbed minerals into the environment — an important sustainability consideration in intensive livestock production.
The table below compares ferrous bisglycinate with commonly used iron compounds across key industrial parameters:
Parameter | Ferrous Bisglycinate | Ferrous Sulfate | Ferrous Fumarate | Ferric Pyrophosphate | Sodium Iron EDTA |
Iron Content | ~20% | ~20% (heptahydrate) | ~33% | ~25% | ~13% |
Chemical Type | Amino acid chelate | Inorganic salt | Organic salt | Inorganic salt | Chelate (EDTA) |
Water Solubility | High | High | Low | Insoluble | High |
Organoleptic Impact in Food | Minimal | High (metallic taste, oxidation) | Low–Moderate | Low | Variable |
Interaction with Food Matrix | Low (chelated) | High | Moderate | Low | Low |
Relative Cost | Higher | Lowest | Low | Moderate | Moderate–High |
GRAS / Regulatory Acceptance | GRAS (FDA, 1999) | GRAS | GRAS | GRAS | GRAS, JECFA approved |
Primary Application | Fortification, supplements, animal feed | Fortification (low-cost) | Supplements, fortification | Fortification (low-reactivity) | Fortification (high-phytate foods) |
Test Item | Specification |
Assay (as C₄H₈FeN₂O₄) | ≥ 97.0% |
Iron Content (Fe²⁺) | 20.0% ± 1.0% |
Loss on Drying | ≤ 5.0% |
Lead (Pb) | ≤ 1.0 mg/kg |
Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1.0 mg/kg |
Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 mg/kg |
Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 1.0 mg/kg |
Total Plate Count | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g |
Yeast & Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g |
E. coli / Salmonella | Absent in 25g |
Ferrous bisglycinate is a chelated compound — the iron atom is bound within an amino acid (glycine) structure. Ferrous sulfate is a simple inorganic salt. The chelated form is chemically protected from interacting with other food components (phytates, polyphenols, tannins) and from catalyzing oxidative reactions, which makes it more suitable for complex food matrices, premium supplements, and animal feed formulations where performance justifies the higher unit cost.
Chelation refers to the chemical bonding in which a metal ion (Fe²⁺) is held by multiple coordinate bonds from surrounding ligand molecules (glycine). This forms a stable ring structure that "wraps" the iron atom, preventing it from participating in unwanted side reactions in formulated products.
Yes. Ferrous bisglycinate is highly soluble in water, which makes it suitable for liquid formulations, powdered beverage mixes, and wet pet food applications.
When stored in a cool, dry environment (below 25°C, relative humidity under 60%) in sealed original packaging, ferrous bisglycinate typically has a shelf life of 24 months from the date of manufacture. Manufacturers should provide real-time stability data to support their stated shelf life.
Ferrous bisglycinate is a synthetic chelate and is generally not permitted in products certified under USDA Organic or EU Organic regulations. For organic-certified applications, naturally derived iron sources or whole-food iron ingredients must be used. Check with your certification body for the specific requirements of your target market.
Standard commercial packaging is 25 kg net weight in food-grade multi-layer kraft paper bags with an inner PE liner, or fiber drums. Custom packaging sizes (1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg) and private-label packaging are available from many manufacturers upon request.
Ferrous bisglycinate is typically classified under HS code 2922.49 (amino acids and their esters; salts thereof) or, depending on the specific customs jurisdiction, under 2936.90 (provitamins and vitamins; other). Confirm the exact classification with your freight forwarder for your destination country.
Ferrous Bisglycinate (CAS 20150-34-9) occupies a critical position in the global food fortification, dietary supplement, and animal nutrition supply chains. Its chelated structure delivers functional advantages — sensory neutrality, matrix compatibility, and efficient iron delivery — that justify its premium over conventional inorganic iron salts.
