Iron
Also known as: ferric, ferrous
Iron fortification is mandated or widely practiced for enriched flour and infant cereals. NIH ODS defines a Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 45 mg/day for adults (lower for children).
What it is
Mineral element; essential micronutrient. In food, typically appears as ferrous sulfate, ferric orthophosphate, or reduced iron.
Nutrient fortificant in flour, cereals, and milk products.
Why it's flagged
- pediatric iron poisoning from supplements (separate from food fortification)
- hereditary hemochromatosis patients should limit intake
What regulators actually say
"Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for iron is 45 mg/day for adults; ingestion of iron at higher levels can cause gastric upset, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and faintness."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
GRAS forms (e.g., 21 CFR 184.1311 ferrous sulfate); mandated in enriched flour
European Union — EFSA
Permitted as fortificant
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