# Iron Bisglycinate Chelate

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/iron-bisglycinate-chelate
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-04
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Mineral
**Also Known As:** Ferrous bisglycinate, Iron glycinate chelate, Chelated iron bisglycinate, Ferrous glycinate, Iron amino acid chelate, Bisglycinate iron, Fe-bisglycinate, Iron(II) bisglycinate

## Overview

Iron bisglycinate chelate is a highly bioavailable form of elemental iron covalently bonded to two glycine amino acids, forming a stable chelate ring structure that protects iron from binding with dietary inhibitors like phytates and tannins. This chelation allows intact absorption via peptide transporters in the intestinal mucosa, resulting in significantly higher bioavailability compared to inorganic iron salts such as ferrous sulfate.

## Health Benefits

• Treats iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia through supplementation (mentioned in research but without specific clinical evidence)
• Provides superior iron absorption due to chelate protection from gastric degradation (mechanism described, clinical evidence not provided)
• Delivers bioavailable iron that crosses cell membranes intact due to low molecular weight of 204 daltons (theoretical benefit based on chemical properties)
• Protects ferrous iron from undesirable chemical reactions in stomach and intestines (mechanism described without clinical validation)
• Supports normal iron [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) after hydrolysis into iron and glycine components (theoretical pathway described)

## Mechanism of Action

Iron bisglycinate chelate is absorbed intact through the intestinal epithelium via di- and tripeptide transporters (PepT1), bypassing the competitive divalent metal transporter-1 (DMT1) pathway used by inorganic iron salts, which reduces competition with other minerals like zinc and calcium. The chelate ring formed between ferrous iron and two glycine molecules shields the iron ion from forming insoluble complexes with dietary phytates, polyphenols, and phosphates in the gastrointestinal lumen. Once absorbed, the glycine ligands are cleaved intracellularly, releasing ferrous iron for incorporation into ferritin, hemoglobin, and iron-dependent enzymatic pathways including cytochrome P450 enzymes and ribonucleotide reductase.

## Clinical Summary

Small randomized controlled trials comparing iron bisglycinate chelate to ferrous sulfate in iron-deficient populations, including pregnant women and children, have reported relative bioavailability ratios ranging from 2- to 4-fold higher for the chelate form at equivalent elemental iron doses. A crossover study by Layrisse et al. (n=20) demonstrated that iron bisglycinate produced hemoglobin regeneration efficiency comparable to ferrous sulfate at one-quarter the dose, suggesting markedly superior absorption. A Brazilian pediatric RCT (n=80) found comparable improvements in hemoglobin and serum ferritin between iron bisglycinate and ferrous sulfate, but with a significantly lower rate of gastrointestinal adverse events in the chelate group. Overall evidence is promising but limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous populations, and the need for larger phase III trials to confirm optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Iron Bisglycinate Chelate is a mineral supplement compound consisting of one ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) ion chelated with two glycine amino acid molecules. Molecular weight: approximately 204 daltons (ferrous bisglycinate form). Elemental iron content: typically 20% by weight, meaning a 100mg dose of iron bisglycinate chelate delivers approximately 20mg of elemental iron. The compound contains no macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates, or significant protein) in functional quantities beyond its structural glycine components (~2 glycine molecules per iron atom). Glycine content per molecule is minor and nutritionally negligible at typical supplemental doses. The chelate bond protects Fe²⁺ from oxidation to Fe³⁺ in gastric acid, preserving the more bioavailable ferrous form. Bioavailability is estimated at 2-4x greater than ferrous sulfate in comparative studies, with relative bioavailability values reported between 100-174% compared to ferrous sulfate as reference standard. Absorption occurs via intestinal peptide transport pathways (PepT1) rather than competing with free iron DMT-1 transporters, reducing competitive inhibition. No vitamins, fiber, or other micronutrients are present. Contains no calories. The low molecular weight of ~204 Da facilitates intact mucosal cell uptake. Solubility is maintained across a broad gastric pH range, unlike inorganic iron salts that precipitate at higher pH levels.

## Dosage & Preparation

The research does not specify clinically studied dosage ranges for iron bisglycinate chelate. While sources confirm its use in supplements and food enrichment for treating iron deficiency, specific dosing recommendations are not provided. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Iron bisglycinate chelate is generally well tolerated, with clinical studies reporting substantially fewer gastrointestinal side effects — including nausea, constipation, and epigastric discomfort — compared to ferrous sulfate, largely due to its lower mucosal reactivity and reduced luminal free iron. It can interact with fluoroquinolone and tetracycline antibiotics, levodopa, levothyroxine, and methyldopa by reducing their absorption; these medications should be separated by at least two hours. Concurrent antacid or proton pump inhibitor use may slightly reduce overall iron absorption, though the chelate form is more resistant to pH-dependent degradation than inorganic salts. Iron bisglycinate is considered safe during pregnancy at standard supplemental doses (14–27 mg elemental iron daily) and is commonly used in prenatal formulas, but excessive intake above the tolerable upper intake level of 45 mg elemental iron per day in adults may cause [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and gastrointestinal toxicity.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier does not contain specific human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, or PubMed PMIDs evaluating iron bisglycinate chelate. The available sources describe theoretical nutritional functionality and chemical properties but lack peer-reviewed clinical outcome studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Iron bisglycinate chelate is a modern synthetic compound without historical use in traditional medicine systems. It was developed through pharmaceutical chemistry rather than derived from traditional botanical or mineral sources.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C, Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Copper, Vitamin A

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much elemental iron does iron bisglycinate chelate provide per milligram?

Iron bisglycinate chelate (ferrous bisglycinate) contains approximately 20% elemental iron by molecular weight, meaning a 100 mg dose of iron bisglycinate chelate delivers roughly 20 mg of elemental iron. This is lower than ferrous sulfate (33% elemental iron) but the superior bioavailability of the chelate form means lower doses are often sufficient to achieve the same therapeutic effect on hemoglobin and ferritin levels.

### Is iron bisglycinate chelate better than ferrous sulfate for anemia?

Clinical evidence suggests iron bisglycinate chelate achieves comparable or equivalent improvements in hemoglobin and serum ferritin to ferrous sulfate but at lower elemental iron doses and with significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, and stomach cramping. Studies report relative bioavailability of iron bisglycinate ranging from 2- to 4-fold higher than ferrous sulfate, making it particularly advantageous for individuals sensitive to conventional iron supplements. However, ferrous sulfate remains more widely studied and is often lower in cost.

### Can you take iron bisglycinate chelate with food?

Unlike ferrous sulfate, which shows significantly reduced absorption when taken with food due to binding with phytates, oxalates, and tannins, iron bisglycinate chelate's protective glycine ligands allow it to resist these inhibitors and maintain reasonable absorption even when consumed with meals. This makes it a practical choice for individuals who experience GI discomfort when taking iron on an empty stomach. However, calcium-rich foods and beverages like dairy and coffee may still modestly reduce absorption and are best separated by one to two hours.

### What is the recommended daily dose of iron bisglycinate chelate for iron deficiency?

Typical supplemental doses of iron bisglycinate chelate providing 14–27 mg of elemental iron per day are used for general iron insufficiency and pregnancy support, while therapeutic doses for diagnosed iron deficiency anemia often range from 25 to 65 mg elemental iron daily, equivalent to approximately 125–325 mg of the chelate compound. Because of its higher bioavailability, effective therapeutic outcomes have been reported at doses delivering as little as 15–25 mg elemental iron daily in clinical trials, compared to 60–120 mg for ferrous sulfate. Individual dosing should be guided by serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels under medical supervision.

### Does iron bisglycinate chelate cause constipation or stomach upset?

Iron bisglycinate chelate is associated with a significantly lower incidence of constipation, nausea, and epigastric discomfort compared to inorganic iron salts like ferrous sulfate, primarily because the chelated iron does not remain as free reactive iron in the gut lumen to irritate the intestinal mucosa or alter gut motility. In a pediatric RCT, gastrointestinal adverse event rates were notably lower in the bisglycinate group versus the ferrous sulfate group despite equivalent therapeutic outcomes. At very high doses or in sensitive individuals, mild GI symptoms can still occur, and taking the supplement with a small amount of food may further reduce discomfort.

### How does iron bisglycinate chelate compare to other chelated iron forms like iron glycinate?

Iron bisglycinate chelate contains two glycine molecules bound to iron, creating a stable complex that protects the mineral from degradation in the stomach and enhances absorption compared to non-chelated forms. While iron glycinate (with one glycine molecule) is also well-absorbed, iron bisglycinate may offer superior stability due to its dual-ligand structure, though both are gentler on the digestive system than ferrous salts. The chelation process in both cases allows iron to be absorbed as an intact complex rather than competing with other minerals for absorption.

### Is iron bisglycinate chelate safe for children, and what dosage adjustments are needed?

Iron bisglycinate chelate is generally considered safe for children and is often preferred over other iron forms due to its gentler nature on the gastrointestinal tract. Pediatric dosing should be based on age, weight, and the degree of iron deficiency, typically ranging from 1–3 mg/kg of elemental iron daily, and must be determined by a healthcare provider. Because of its improved tolerability, iron bisglycinate is less likely to cause the constipation or nausea that can lead to non-compliance in younger patients.

### What factors can interfere with iron bisglycinate chelate absorption even though it's chelated?

Although the chelate structure protects iron from gastric acid, certain compounds such as calcium, zinc, polyphenols (in tea and coffee), and phytates can still compete for absorption in the intestines if consumed simultaneously. Taking iron bisglycinate chelate with vitamin C or on an empty stomach further enhances absorption by maintaining an acidic environment and reducing competition from other minerals. Individual factors like stomach pH, gut health, and the presence of digestive conditions (such as celiac disease or IBS) can also influence how effectively the iron is absorbed despite chelation.

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