Ferrous iron (Fe²⁺)

Ferrous iron (Fe²⁺) is the divalent cationic form of elemental iron, essential for many biological processes including oxygen transport, electron transfer, and serving as an enzymatic cofactor. Ferrous ion differs from ferric iron (Fe³⁺) by having a +2 oxidation state and is generally more soluble and better absorbed in biological systems. While not a protein target, its levels are tightly regulated in the body and pharmacologically modified by iron supplements and chelators. Therapeutic and toxicological effects are related to its participation in redox biology, and both deficiency and overload of ferrous iron can cause clinical diseases[3][6].

Other names

Iron(II)Fe(II)ferrous ioniron 2+iron(2+)Fe²⁺ ion

Iron chelators bind Fe²⁺ and promote its excretion Iron supplements provide Fe²⁺ for absorption (ferrous salts are better absorbed than ferric salts)