Findings from the FORTE Study: Supporting Iron Levels in Low-Ferritin Whole Blood Donors

Iron deficiency anemia remains one of the most common nutritional challenges worldwide, especially among frequent blood donors, who may be at higher risk of depleted iron stores.

Supporting and maintaining optimal iron status is essential not only for energy and cognitive function. Recent findings from the large-scale FORTE study in the Netherlands, shed new light on how innovative forms of supplemental iron, such as ferrous bisglycinate, may support iron absorption and help reduce post-donation iron deficiency. 

Key Findings from the FORTE Study 

The FORTE study, conducted by Sanquin, investigated how different iron supplementation regimens could support faster iron recovery in regular blood donors. A total of 830 participants were randomly assigned to take capsules containing either 0 mg (placebo), 30 mg, or 60 mg of elemental iron (as ferrous bisglycinate) for 56 days, administered either daily or on alternate days. 

Results at 56 days: 

• Daily dosing: Iron deficiency was seen in 51% of the placebo group, 10% of the 30 mg group, and just 1% of the 60 mg group. 
• Alternate-day dosing: Iron deficiency occurred in 49% of the placebo group, 7% of the 30 mg group, and 4% of the 60 mg group. 

Daily supplementation with 60 mg of ferrous bisglycinate proved most effective in restoring iron stores and supporting ferritin and hemoglobin recovery, with participants reporting good tolerability across all regimens.

Another interesting finding was while previous studies have suggested that higher daily iron doses (≥60 mg) could raise hepcidin levels, temporarily reducing iron absorption and making alternate-day dosing more efficient, the researchers found no significant differences between daily and alternate-day schedules. These results indicate that total iron intake, rather than dosing frequency, may play a more critical role in effective iron replenishment. 

These study results are of interest from a formulation perspective to potentially help regular donors recover adequate ferritin levels and return to donation eligibility within the standard interval. This approach not only restores iron stores efficiently but also maintains good tolerability, supporting donor health and blood supply sustainability. 

Why Ferrochel^®?

An important feature of the study was the use of ferrous bisglycinate, a chelated form of iron designed to enhance absorption and minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. By preventing interactions with dietary compounds (such as phytates) that inhibit iron uptake, this form allows for higher bioavailability and helps to reduce the amount of unabsorbed iron reaching the colon, thereby lowering the likelihood of digestive side effects. 

With a well-tolerated and highly bioavailable form of iron like Ferrochel^®, supplementation may help support healthy ferritin and hemoglobin levels, promote faster recovery, and enable more frequent blood donations.

Partner with us to bring the science of mineral nutrition into your next formulation. 

Albion^® Minerals is a global leader in mineral nutrition, recognized for pioneering chelation technology, creating forms like ferrous bisglycinate. This innovation helps minimize interference from other dietary components and potentially supports absorption within the body. 

With a focus on optimal mineral delivery, Albion^® provides a comprehensive range of gentle, bioavailable mineral forms supported by decades of scientific research. Our chelated minerals are trusted worldwide for their proven effectiveness in high-quality supplementation and fortification. 

Together, we can develop innovative, premium products that support optimal nutritional health. 

For more information about the full study, visit: FORTE | Sanquin