Physical and Chemical Properties of Glycine Ferrous Chelate
Glycine ferrous chelate (Ferrochel) refers to a structure formed by the combination of glycine and ferrous ions, consisting of two glycine molecules chelated to one ferrous ion via a chelate bond. Its structure and properties differ from other iron forms, resulting in high bioavailability and physiological efficacy.
Biological Activity of Glycine Ferrous Chelate
❶ The two glycine molecules act as bodyguards, shielding the ferrous ion. This protection prevents dissociation in the stomach, allowing the ferrous ion to pass intact through the digestive tract (hence high absorption rate) and enter the bloodstream smoothly. Only after safely delivering the ferrous ion to the bloodstream do they depart, enabling the ferrous ion to bind with hemoglobin-forming proteins and synthesize hemoglobin.
❷ Glycine Ferrous (Ferrochel) boasts a molecular structure smaller than conventional iron supplements (ferrous sulfate) and benefits from glycine's protective properties, resulting in an absorption rate 4.5 times higher than standard iron preparations.
❸ Conventional iron supplements must undergo digestion or dissociation within the digestive tract before absorption. The dissociated iron can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation and acute abdominal pain; severe cases may even lead to nausea and vomiting. Iron passing through the stomach may also combine with hydrogen sulfide in the intestines to form black iron sulfide precipitates, resulting in black stools. This not only reduces absorption efficiency but also diminishes hydrogen sulfide levels in the intestinal lumen. The reduced hydrogen sulfide irritation to the intestinal wall can exacerbate constipation. Ferrous Glycinate (Ferrochel) remains undissolved in the stomach, avoiding the side effects typical of conventional iron supplements. It exhibits extremely low toxicity, high safety, and stable activity. Maintaining its chelated state, it passes through the stomach and reaches the small intestine for absorption without irritating the gastrointestinal tract or causing constipation.
Mechanism of Action for Glycine Ferrous Iron
Exceptional Bioavailability:
Its molecular structure closely mimics human physiology, with iron encapsulated within an amino acid protective layer. This shields iron from absorption inhibitors like phytic acid, achieving over three times higher absorption than traditional iron supplements. It efficiently replenishes and utilizes iron within the body, supporting hemoglobin synthesis.
Non-irritating:
Minimizes gastrointestinal irritation, making it suitable for sensitive individuals such as pregnant women and the elderly. Rarely causes nausea, vomiting, or constipation after ingestion.
Excellent palatability:
Lacks the metallic taste common in traditional iron supplements, enhancing acceptance among users and facilitating long-term compliance.
High stability and safety:
It remains stable in the body, minimally reacting with other substances. It releases iron according to the body's real-time needs, providing sustained iron supplementation with high safety. Compared to some inorganic iron additives, it is less likely to cause issues like iron poisoning from excessive supplementation.
Enhanced Immune Function:
Iron participates in the synthesis and metabolism of various oxidase enzymes in the body. Ferrous glycinate provides iron more effectively, thereby enhancing the body's immunity to a certain extent.
Mechanism of Action of Heme Iron
Heme iron is a bioavailable form that can be directly absorbed by intestinal mucosal cells without causing digestive tract irritation, offering high bioavailability.
Non-heme iron cannot be absorbed in the intestine when it comes into contact with carbonates, phosphates, tannins, oxalates, etc., whereas heme iron remains completely unaffected by these substances.
Non-heme iron requires binding to transferrin within intestinal mucosal cells for absorption, making it susceptible to gastric acid secretion and resulting in an absorption rate of 5–8%. Heme iron, however, is absorbed directly by intestinal mucosal cells and is unaffected by gastric acid.
Non-heme iron intake may cause side effects including nausea, bloating, digestive discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation.
Heme iron, being a bioavailable form, does not produce any gastrointestinal irritation and is free from these side effects.