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Iron Bisglycinate

Treating iron deficiency and anemia with improved tolerability

mineral
Evidence · Grade DSafety · Use with caution
Meta-analysis availableHuman trial evidenceSafety cautionInteraction riskNeeds more research

Iron bisglycinate is a highly absorbable and well-tolerated form of iron, primarily used to prevent and treat iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia.

Iron bisglycinate is a form of iron that is chelated to two molecules of the amino acid glycine. This chelation helps to protect the iron from interactions with other compounds in the digestive tract, potentially leading to better absorption and reduced gastrointestinal side effects compared to other iron forms, such as ferrous sulfate. It is primarily used to address iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, a common condition characterized by insufficient iron to produce red blood cells. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath. Due to its potentially improved absorption and tolerability, iron bisglycinate is often recommended as a preferred iron supplement, particularly for individuals who experience digestive upset with other iron preparations.

Quick answer

What it is: Iron bisglycinate is a form of iron that is chelated to two molecules of the amino acid glycine.

May support:Iron Deficiency Anemia, Celiac Disease, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Alopecia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Restless Leg Syndrome, Folate Deficiency, Hypothyroidism, ADHD

Evidence:Evidence · Grade D

Safety:Safety · Use with caution

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade D

Numerous studies support the efficacy of iron bisglycinate in treating iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Research consistently shows its superior bioavailability and better gastrointestinal tolerability compared to traditional iron salts like ferrous sulfate. This makes it a preferred option for many individuals requiring iron supplementation.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Iron bisglycinate delivers elemental iron, which is essential for hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport. The bisglycinate chelate enhances its absorption and reduces gastrointestinal irritation.

How it works in more detail

Iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. It is also vital for myoglobin (oxygen storage in muscles), various enzymes, and cellular energy production. Iron bisglycinate is a ferrous iron (Fe2+) chelated with two glycine molecules. This chelation protects the iron from oxidation and from binding to inhibitors in the gut, such as phytates and tannins, allowing it to pass through the stomach and small intestine more intact. It is thought to be absorbed via a different pathway than inorganic iron salts, potentially through peptide transporters, which may contribute to its higher bioavailability and reduced gastrointestinal side effects.

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
For general iron support or mild deficiency, 25-45 mg elemental iron daily, usually in capsule or tablet form. For iron deficiency anemia, higher doses may be recommended by a healthcare professional.
Research dosage range
Typically 25-60 mg elemental iron daily, often divided, for iron deficiency; up to 120 mg elemental iron daily for anemia.
Typical onset
Improvements in symptoms of iron deficiency may be noticed within a few weeks, but full restoration of iron stores can take several months.
Typical forms
capsule, tablet, powder, liquid
Quality markers
Look for products that specify 'iron bisglycinate' or 'ferrous bisglycinate chelate' and state the amount of elemental iron per serving. Third-party testing for purity and potency is also a good indicator of quality.
Medication interactions
  • Thyroid hormones
  • Antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones)
  • Antacids
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • Bisphosphonates
  • Levodopa
Avoid if
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Hemosiderosis
  • Other iron overload disorders
  • Non-iron deficiency anemias (e.g., thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia)
Pregnancy / lactation
Iron supplementation is often recommended during pregnancy to prevent iron deficiency anemia, but it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure appropriate dosing and monitoring. Iron bisglycinate is generally considered safe and well-tolerated during pregnancy and lactation when used at recommended doses.

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Suggested dosage

For general iron support or mild deficiency, 25-45 mg elemental iron daily, usually in capsule or tablet form. For iron deficiency anemia, higher doses may be recommended by a healthcare professional.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Elemental iron (Fe2+), chelated with glycine.

Safety

Safety warnings

Iron supplements, including iron bisglycinate, should be used with caution and under medical supervision, especially in cases of diagnosed iron deficiency. Excessive iron intake can be toxic and lead to iron overload, which can damage organs. Keep out of reach of children, as accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6.

Avoid if

  • Hemochromatosis
  • Hemosiderosis
  • Other iron overload disorders
  • Non-iron deficiency anemias (e.g., thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia)

Medication interactions

  • Thyroid hormones
  • Antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones)
  • Antacids
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • Bisphosphonates
  • Levodopa

Reported side effects

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Stomach upset
  • Dark stools

Pregnancy & lactation

Iron supplementation is often recommended during pregnancy to prevent iron deficiency anemia, but it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider to ensure appropriate dosing and monitoring. Iron bisglycinate is generally considered safe and well-tolerated during pregnancy and lactation when used at recommended doses.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (D)

Numerous studies support the efficacy of iron bisglycinate in treating iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia. Research consistently shows its superior bioavailability and better gastrointestinal tolerability compared to traditional iron salts like ferrous sulfate. This makes it a preferred option for many individuals requiring iron supplementation.

Filter by source type

Meta-Analyses(1)

Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.

Very High Quality

  • Relationship between Iron Deficiency and Thyroid Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    Garofalo V, Condorelli RA, Cannarella R, Aversa A, Calogero AE, La Vignera S · Nutrients · 2023

    Objective: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide. Low levels of serum ferritin (SF) could affect the thyroid gland and its functioning. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the main currently available evidence and analyze data on the relationship between ID and thyroid function. Methods: This study included all articles evaluating the relationship between ID and thyroid function. Quality assessment was performed using Cambridge Quality Checklists. The search strategy included the following combination of Medical Subjects Headings terms and keywords: "iron deficiency", "thyroid function", "thyroid disease", "thyroid dysfunction", and "hypothyroidism". A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate whether thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels differed between patients with ID and healthy controls without ID. For statistical comparison between cases and controls,

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality

Clinical Guidelines(1)

Recommendations from medical societies (NICE, AHA, ADA, ACG, Endocrine Society…).

High Quality

  • AGA Clinical Practice Update on Management of Iron Deficiency Anemia: Expert Review.

    DeLoughery TG, Jackson CS, Ko CW, Rockey DC · Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association · 2024

    In this Clinical Practice Update (CPU), we will Best Practice Advice (BPA) guidance on the appropriate management of iron deficiency anemia. This expert review was commissioned and approved by the AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee (CPUC) and the AGA Governing Board to provide timely guidance on a topic of high clinical importance to the AGA membership, and underwent internal peer review by the CPUC and external peer review through standard procedures of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology. These Best Practice Advice (BPA) statements were drawn from a review of the published literature and from expert opinion. Since systematic reviews were not performed, these BPA statements do not carry formal ratings regarding the quality of evidence or strength of the presented considerations. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 1: No single formulation of oral iron has any advantages over any other. Ferrous sulfate is preferred as the least expensive iron formulation. BEST PRACTICE ADVICE 2:

    Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High Quality

Observational Studies(3)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality

  • The Relationship Between Iron and Zinc Deficiency and Aphthous Stomatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    Torabinia N, Asadi S, Tarrahi MJ · Advanced biomedical research · 2024

    Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is known as the most common ulcerative lesion in the oral mucosa. Aphthous has an unknown etiology and is considered a multifactorial disease. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between iron and zinc deficiency and the occurrence of RAS. This systematic review and metaanalysis was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Metaanalyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were obtained through an electronic search in international databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, Springer, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Clinical Key, and Google Scholar, and domestic Persian databases, including SID, Magiran, and Iran Medex, until April 2021. New-castle Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to determine the eligibility of studies by evaluating the title and summary of the articles and a partial evaluation of the full text. Comprehensive Metaanalysis (CMA) software was used for data analysis. In

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

  • Iron, Zinc, and Physical Performance.

    McClung JP · Biological trace element research · 2019

    Iron and zinc are nutritionally essential trace elements that function through incorporation into proteins and enzymes; many of these proteins and enzymes affect physical performance. Poor iron status (iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia) is prevalent in both developed and developing nations. Zinc deficiency has been reported in clinical and population studies, although the incidence is difficult to quantify due to the lack of a reliable zinc status indicator. The objective of this manuscript is to review the relationship between iron and zinc status and physical performance. In sum, numerous reports indicate diminished physical performance in individuals with poor iron and/or zinc status, whereas, in individuals with adequate status, evidence supporting a beneficial role of iron or zinc at levels beyond the recommended dietary allowance for optimizing physical performance is lacking.

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

  • How I treat anemia in pregnancy: iron, cobalamin, and folate.

    Achebe MM, Gafter-Gvili A · Blood · 2017

    Anemia of pregnancy, an important risk factor for fetal and maternal morbidity, is considered a global health problem, affecting almost 50% of pregnant women. In this article, diagnosis and management of iron, cobalamin, and folate deficiencies, the most frequent causes of anemia in pregnancy, are discussed. Three clinical cases are considered. Iron deficiency is the most common cause. Laboratory tests defining iron deficiency, the recognition of developmental delays and cognitive abnormalities in iron-deficient neonates, and literature addressing the efficacy and safety of IV iron in pregnancy are reviewed. An algorithm is proposed to help clinicians diagnose and treat iron deficiency, recommending oral iron in the first trimester and IV iron later. Association of folate deficiency with neural tube defects and impact of fortification programs are discussed. With increased obesity and bariatric surgery rates, prevalence of cobalamin deficiency in pregnancy is rising. Low maternal cobal

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Limitations: While evidence for efficacy and tolerability is strong, some studies are relatively small or have short durations. More large-scale, long-term comparative trials against all available iron forms could further solidify its position. Optimal dosing strategies for specific populations and conditions are still an area of ongoing research.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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