# Iron Lactate **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/iron-lactate **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-29 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Mineral **Also Known As:** Ferrous lactate, Iron(II) lactate, E585, Iron dilactate, Lactic acid iron salt, Iron lactate dihydrate ## Overview Iron lactate is a chelated iron compound that combines ferrous iron with lactic acid for enhanced bioavailability. This form provides elemental iron while potentially reducing gastrointestinal irritation compared to other iron supplements. ## Health Benefits • No clinical health benefits documented - research focuses only on chemical properties • Used as food additive (E585) for acidity regulation - safety implied but not studied • Provides bioavailable iron source - theoretical benefit based on iron content, no specific studies • May support color retention in foods - regulatory approval suggests safety profile • Potential iron supplementation - no evidence quality available from current research ## Mechanism of Action Iron lactate dissociates in the acidic gastric environment, releasing ferrous iron (Fe2+) which is absorbed in the duodenum via divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). The lactate chelation protects iron from precipitation and oxidation, maintaining it in the more bioavailable ferrous state. Once absorbed, iron is transported by transferrin and incorporated into hemoglobin or stored as ferritin. ## Clinical Summary No specific clinical trials have evaluated iron lactate's health benefits or efficacy compared to other iron forms. Research focuses primarily on its chemical properties and stability as a food additive (E585). While theoretical bioavailability advantages exist due to its chelated structure, controlled human studies comparing absorption rates and tolerability versus ferrous sulfate or other iron compounds are lacking. Evidence for therapeutic benefits remains limited to iron's general physiological functions. ## Nutritional Profile Iron lactate (ferrous lactate, Fe(C₃H₅O₃)₂) is an iron(II) salt of lactic acid with a molecular weight of ~233.99 g/mol. It contains approximately 23.8% elemental iron by weight (Fe²⁺). As a mineral compound, it has no macronutrient content (no protein, fat, carbohydrates, or fiber). Key nutritional characteristics: • Provides ferrous (Fe²⁺) iron, which is generally more bioavailable than ferric (Fe³⁺) forms, with estimated absorption rates of 10–30% depending on individual iron status, gastric pH, and co-consumed dietary factors. • The lactate anion (C₃H₅O₃⁻) is a naturally occurring organic acid that enhances aqueous solubility (~96 g/L at 25°C), contributing to improved intestinal absorption compared to less soluble iron salts such as ferrous oxide. • Typical food-additive dosages (E585) range from 10–150 mg/kg in olives and related products; supplemental iron doses providing 15–65 mg elemental iron per serving would require approximately 63–273 mg iron lactate. • Contains no vitamins, polyphenols, or other bioactive compounds beyond the iron and lactate moieties. • Bioavailability is enhanced by co-ingestion with ascorbic acid (vitamin C), organic acids, and animal protein; inhibited by phytates, polyphenols, calcium, and tannins. • The lactate component (~76.2% by weight) is metabolically inert at typical supplemental doses, readily metabolized via the Cori cycle/gluconeogenesis. • No significant amounts of other minerals or trace elements are present in pharmaceutical/food-grade preparations (purity typically ≥98%). • Caloric contribution is negligible (<1 kcal per typical serving). • Iron from ferrous lactate contributes to hemoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport, electron transport chain function, and enzymatic cofactor roles, consistent with general iron physiology rather than compound-specific bioactivity. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges available. The compound is noted as a pharmaceutical reference standard but without therapeutic dosing information. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Iron lactate safety profile is inferred from its approved use as food additive E585, but specific toxicology studies are limited. As with all iron supplements, it may cause gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, constipation, and stomach upset, though potentially less than non-chelated forms. Iron supplements can reduce absorption of tetracycline antibiotics, levothyroxine, and bisphosphonates when taken concurrently. Contraindicated in hemochromatosis and should be used cautiously during pregnancy only under medical supervision. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses specifically examining iron lactate were identified in the available research. The provided sources focus exclusively on chemical properties and industrial applications rather than biomedical studies. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicine uses documented. Iron lactate is described solely as a modern synthetic compound without traditional context in systems like Ayurveda or Traditional Chinese Medicine. ## Synergistic Combinations Vitamin C, folic acid, vitamin B12, copper, ascorbic acid ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between iron lactate and ferrous sulfate? Iron lactate is chelated with lactic acid for potentially better absorption and reduced stomach irritation, while ferrous sulfate is an inorganic salt that may cause more gastrointestinal side effects. However, direct comparative studies between these two forms are lacking. ### How much elemental iron does iron lactate provide? Iron lactate typically contains approximately 18-20% elemental iron by weight. This means a 100mg iron lactate supplement would provide roughly 18-20mg of actual absorbable iron. ### Can iron lactate be taken with food? Iron lactate can be taken with food to reduce potential stomach upset, though this may slightly decrease absorption. The chelated form may be less affected by food interactions compared to other iron supplements. ### Is iron lactate better absorbed than other iron forms? While iron lactate's chelated structure theoretically provides better bioavailability and tolerability, no published clinical studies have directly compared its absorption rates to other iron forms like ferrous sulfate or iron bisglycinate. ### What foods contain iron lactate naturally? Iron lactate does not occur naturally in foods. It is a synthetic compound used as a food additive (E585) for acidity regulation and iron fortification in processed foods and supplements. ### What are the side effects of taking iron lactate supplements? Iron lactate may cause gastrointestinal side effects common to iron supplementation, including nausea, constipation, or dark stools, though the lactate component may reduce gastric irritation compared to some other iron salts. Individual tolerance varies based on dosage and sensitivity. Consult a healthcare provider if adverse effects persist or worsen. ### Does iron lactate interact with medications like antibiotics or thyroid drugs? Iron supplements, including iron lactate, can form complexes with certain medications such as tetracycline antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, and levothyroxine (thyroid medication), reducing their absorption and efficacy. These interactions typically require spacing doses by at least 2–4 hours apart. Always inform your healthcare provider about iron supplementation when starting new medications. ### Who should avoid taking iron lactate supplements? People with iron overload conditions such as hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis should avoid iron lactate supplementation without medical supervision. Individuals with active gastrointestinal bleeding, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain genetic anemias may also need to avoid or carefully monitor supplementation. Consult a healthcare provider to determine if iron lactate is appropriate for your specific health condition. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*