New Hampton, New York, (4 September 2023) – Author: Sara Houghton, Senior Account Manager, Barrett Dixon Bell
A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrition Reviews[1] has concluded that ferrous bisglycinate supplementation in pregnant women provides significantly higher efficacy at raising hemoglobin status, and results in a 64% lower rate of gastrointestinal adverse events[2] compared to other iron salts.[3]
Conducted by a team of researchers from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, the research sought to evaluate the effects of ferrous bisglycinate supplementation compared to other iron salts* on iron status and gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events. 1 Multiple chelated iron products were used in this research, including Albion® Minerals’ Ferrochel®. The findings present supplement manufacturers with an exciting opportunity to innovate with high-efficacy iron forms.
Iron deficiency is a worldwide issue and is estimated to affect over 40% women of childbearing age in certain countries.[4] However, many consumers are reluctant to take iron supplements during pregnancy as they often cause side effects to the digestive system, which can pose a significant challenge in patient compliance and decrease efficacy. The data in this latest study compared rates of GI adverse events observed in trials of pregnant women, showing that ferrous bisglycinate supplementation was 64% less likely to result in GI adverse events compared to other iron salts.
The meta-analysis included 17 different randomized controlled trials, focusing on over 1,100 children and pregnant women. The results demonstrated that:
While analyzing the available data related to the children group, these differences failed to reach statistical significance, likely due to the relatively small number of clinical trials included and differences in trial design (n=4).
Following this initial study, our team has commissioned a new clinical trial on Ferrochel® to compare iron supplements in pregnant women with the same research team, which aims to begin recruitment in Fall 2023. This research aims to provide further insights into the optimal forms of iron to be used across various ages and stages of life.
“These findings are important as they confirm that not all oral iron supplements should be considered as equal. The ideal form of iron in prenatal multiple micronutrients should be highly bioavailable and have a low risk of gastrointestinal side effects in order to optimize adherence and reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy. Ultimately, our findings show promise for ferrous bisglycinate as a superior form of supplemental iron compared to iron salts.”
Crystal Karakochuk, Assistant Professor in Human Nutrition in the Department of Food, Nutrition, and Health at University of British Columbia, and the lead researcher on the study.
Ferrochel® is the flagship product within the Albion® Minerals portfolio, with decades of research supporting its use. A unique, fully chelated iron product formed by binding iron to two organic glycine molecules, its small molecular size allows it to remain intact throughout the GI tract for optimal absorption. This more bioavailable form of iron is essential for gestating mothers and growing children.
“We’re pleased to see that this latest study provides further evidence to show the enhanced efficacy and tolerability that ferrous bisglycinate, such as Ferrochel®, is commonly associated with. For decades now, we have been investigating the role iron can play in supporting healthy pregnancies and we are confident that additional data will provide additional proof of the superiority of ferrous bisglycinate over other iron salts.”
Jonathan Bortz, MD, Vice President Nutrition Science at Balchem
Interested in hearing more about the upcoming Ferrochel® clinical study? Contact us today!
Click the links below for more information about Albion® Minerals and Ferrochel®.
[1] Fischer JAJ, et al., Nutr Rev 2023; 81(8): 904-920.
[2] GI adverse events defined as Heartburn, Nausea, Constipation, Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain
[3] Other iron salts defined as Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Fumarate, Carbonyl Iron, Iron Multi-Amino Acid Chelate, Ferrous Ascorbate, Sodium Feredetate, Ferrous Glycine Sulfate, and Polymaltose Iron
[4] Stevens GA, et al., Lancet Glob Health 2022; 10: e1590-99.
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