Ferrous Bisglycinate
Ferrous bisglycinate is recognized as a safe iron source. EFSA evaluated it as a nutrient source and concluded it is not of safety concern at proposed use levels, with iron exposure remaining within ULs.
What it is
An iron(II) chelate of two glycine molecules (CAS 20150-34-9), a chelated iron compound used as a nutrient supplement.
Iron fortificant in foods and dietary supplements; well-tolerated, high-bioavailability iron source.
Why it's flagged
- GI upset at high doses
- contraindicated in iron overload disorders
What regulators actually say
"The Panel concluded that ferrous bisglycinate is a safe source of iron and that its bioavailability is comparable to that of ferrous sulfate."
"The tolerable upper intake level (UL) for iron is 45 mg/day for adults; intakes above this can cause GI distress."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted as a source of iron in dietary supplements and fortified foods (21 CFR 184 lists multiple iron salts as GRAS).
European Union — EFSA
Authorized as a source of iron in foods for particular nutritional uses and food supplements (EFSA opinion 2006); listed in Annex II of Regulation 1925/2006.
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