What is the Difference Between Ferrous Gluconate and Ferrous Sulfate?

Ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate are two different forms of iron supplements used to treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. The main differences between them are:

1. Absorption: Ferrous gluconate is usually sold in liquid form and has been shown to be better absorbed than ferrous sulfate tablets in some clinical studies.
2. Elemental Iron Content: Ferrous sulfate contains 20% elemental iron by weight, while ferrous gluconate contains 12% elemental iron by weight. This means that ferrous sulfate has a higher amount of elemental iron per dose, which is the active component responsible for addressing iron deficiency.
3. Dosage: Due to the lower elemental iron content in ferrous gluconate, a greater dosage may be needed to correct an iron deficiency compared to ferrous sulfate.
4. Price: Ferrous gluconate is generally more expensive than ferrous sulfate.
5. Side Effects: Ferrous gluconate has been shown to have fewer side effects compared to ferrous sulfate in some studies.

When comparing these two supplements, it is essential to read the drug label and check how much elemental iron each contains. Ferrous sulfate is commonly available as a 325 mg tablet, with 65 mg of elemental iron. In contrast, a 240 mg ferrous gluconate tablet contains 27 mg of elemental iron. To determine which supplement is more suitable for your needs, consult your doctor or a store pharmacist for assistance in interpreting a doctor's prescription or understanding the differences between iron supplement types and amounts.

Comparative Table: Ferrous Gluconate vs Ferrous Sulfate

Here is a table summarizing the differences between ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate:

Both ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate are iron supplements used to treat iron deficiency anemia and other iron-related deficiencies. The main difference between the two is their elemental iron content and absorption. Ferrous gluconate contains 12% elemental iron by weight and is more easily absorbed, while ferrous sulfate contains 20% elemental iron by weight and is less easily absorbed.