ferrous fumarate

Ferrous fumarate is an anhydrous iron(II) salt of fumaric acid, widely utilized as an oral iron supplement for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia. It provides a high concentration of elemental iron (approximately 33% by weight), which is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin and myoglobin. In clinical practice, it is frequently used as a standard oral comparator for newer intravenous iron formulations like ferumoxytol and ferric carboxymaltose, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, its clinical utility can be limited by gastrointestinal side effects and impaired absorption in specific populations, such as those who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Furthermore, in patients with active IBD, oral ferrous fumarate may exacerbate intestinal inflammation by promoting the production of reactive oxygen species.

Brand names

Neo-fer

Other names

Iron(II) fumarateFumaric acid iron(II) salt