-
Product Name:
Liposomal Ferrous Ascorbate
-
Molecular Formula:
C12H14FeO12
-
Molecular Weight:
406.08 g/mol
-
CAS No.:
24808-52-4
-
CID Code:
86763295
-
Shelf Life:
3 years - 20°C powder
-
ATC Code (WHO)
B03AA10
-
DrugBank ID
DB14490
-
ChemSpider ID
64884951
-
UNII No.
DI3477D0PI
- USP
- Insights
USP of Liposomal Ferrous Ascorbate
- Liposomal encapsulation enhances iron absorption and allows lower dosages.
- Fewer individuals report experiencing gastrointestinal effects such as nausea and constipation compared to conventional forms.
- The endocytosis mechanism allows liposomal iron to be absorbed regardless of pH, inflammation, or the presence of dietary inhibitors (e.g., tannins and calcium).
- Results in a faster increase in haemoglobin and ferritin levels.
- Provides a higher level of compliance for children and pregnant women.
Insights Liposomal Ferrous Ascorbate
- Appearance: Brownish dry powder
- Solubility: Partially water-dispersible.
- Stability: Highly stable under GMP storage conditions, with low leakage rate.
- pH: 6.0–7.5.
- Storage Temp: 15–25°C.
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place, away from light.
- Odor: Characteristic odor.
- Packaging: Food-safe HDPE drums and HDPE bags with inner poly liner.
Description of Liposomal Ferrous Ascorbate
Liposomal ferrous ascorbate is a phospholipid encapsulated formulation designed for superior oral iron delivery in treating iron deficiency anaemia. It consists of ferrous ascorbate—Fe²⁺ chelated with ascorbic acid (vitamin C)—entrapped within phospholipid bilayers forming liposomes (typically NMT 220 nm in diameter). The final formulation of the liposomal product will appear as a dry, brownish powder. The product does not have a strong odour and does not have any metallic notes commonly associated with free iron in salt form.
Ascorbic acid stabilises Fe2+, thus preventing it from oxidising to a less-absorbed form of iron (Fe3+) and enhancing intestinal absorption of iron via transport pathways dependent upon vitamin C. The liposomal structure also protects the iron from degradation in the stomach, from dietary inhibitors (such as phytates and polyphenols), and from direct irritation on the mucosal surface of the gut. The bioavailability of this formulation is generally above 80%, compared with 10-15% for conventional ferrous salt formulations.
The liposomal formulation has a moderate level of hygroscopicity, so the powder should be stored in a moisture-resistant container to prevent caking or agglomeration; however, this formulation is also less moisture-sensitive (when stored in powder form) than non-liposomal ferrous ascorbate because of lipid encapsulation.
Key Benefits of Liposomal Ferrous Ascorbate
Key benefits
- The liposomal encapsulation of Liposomal Ferrous Ascorbate provides better iron bioavailability in the GI tract than traditional iron supplements, thereby allowing efficient delivery to the blood.
- It helps reduce the occurrence of common GI Side Effects relevant to other forms of Iron, like nausea, constipation, and stomach upset.
- The formulation is gentler on the digestive system, leading to better patient assent and adherence to treatment.
- It provides rapid correction of iron deficiency anaemia with comparable efficacy to standard therapies but with fewer adverse effects.
Applications
In the medical field, the primary goal is to treat iron deficiency without making the patient feel worse due to side effects. Liposomal Ferrous Ascorbate is particularly useful for:
- Prenatal Care (OB-GYN): Pregnant women have a massive demand for iron, but they also suffer from morning sickness. Doctors prefer prescribing this form because it rarely triggers the nausea or vomiting associated with standard iron pills.
- Treating Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Patients with CKD often suffer from anaemia but have very sensitive systems. This formulation allows them to build up iron stores without putting extra stress on their GI tract.
- Pediatric Anaemia Treatment: Children are often picky and have sensitive stomachs. The liposomal coating masks the metallic taste and prevents stomach aches, making it much easier for parents to ensure their children actually take the medicine.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: For patients recovering from surgery or blood loss who need to rebuild haemoglobin levels rapidly but cannot tolerate the heavy side effects of ferrous sulfate.
- Women’s Health Supplements: It is an ideal core ingredient for daily multivitamins designed for women of menstruating age, helping maintain consistent iron levels without causing constipation or bloating.
- Sports Nutrition: Endurance athletes (like runners and cyclists) need optimal oxygen transport. This product works well in performance supplements because it boosts iron levels efficiently without causing the “runner’s stomach” issues common with cheaper iron salts.
- Vegan and Vegetarian Support: Plant-based diets often lack heme iron (the easily absorbed kind). This supplement bridges that gap effectively for vegans who struggle to get enough iron from food alone.
- Energy and Fatigue Formulas: Since iron is essential for fighting fatigue, this is a premium ingredient for “energy boosting” supplements that claim to work without the crash of caffeine.
