Minerals

Iron Bisglycinate

Evidence: strong_human

Mechanism of Action

Iron is essential for hemoglobin (oxygen transport), myoglobin (muscle oxygen storage), cytochrome enzymes (electron transport chain — Complexes I, II, III, IV), cytochrome P450 enzymes (drug/hormone metabolism), catalase (H2O2 decomposition), ribonucleotide reductase (DNA synthesis), and aconitase (Krebs cycle). Iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel) uses amino acid chelation to bypass the normal DMT1/ferroportin pathway, instead being absorbed intact via PepT1 transporter. This mechanism avoids the GI side effects of ionic iron (free Fe2+ generates hydroxyl radicals via Fenton reaction in the gut lumen) and is not inhibited by phytates, tannins, or calcium.

Dosing Protocol

Standard: 25-36mg elemental iron (as bisglycinate) daily for deficiency correction

Loading: Every other day dosing may optimize absorption (hepcidin rebound effect)

Maintenance: Discontinue when ferritin normalizes (50-150 ng/mL) unless ongoing losses

Administration: oral

Timing: On empty stomach or with vitamin C for absorption. Alternate day dosing (every other day) may be superior due to hepcidin cycling. Separate from calcium, zinc, tea, coffee by 2+ hours.

Duration: Until ferritin >50 ng/mL, then reassess (typically 3-6 months). Not for ongoing supplementation unless chronic blood loss.

Notes

ALWAYS test before supplementing — iron is the only common supplement where more is NOT better and excess causes direct harm (oxidative stress, organ damage). Required labs: serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, transferrin saturation. Ferritin <30 ng/mL confirms deficiency; <50 ng/mL is suboptimal for performance. The alternate-day dosing protocol (Moretti et al.) is evidence-based: hepcidin rises 24h after iron intake, blocking absorption the next day. Menstruating women, endurance athletes, and vegetarians are highest-risk populations. Ferritin >300 ng/mL warrants investigation for hemochromatosis.

Stacking

  • Vitamin C (doubles non-heme iron absorption)
  • B12 (if concurrent deficiency)
  • Folate

Interactions

  • Levothyroxine [HIGH] — Iron drastically reduces thyroid hormone absorption — separate by 4+ hours
  • Tetracyclines/fluoroquinolones [HIGH] — Iron chelates these antibiotics rendering them ineffective — separate by 4+ hours
  • PPIs/H2 blockers [MEDIUM] — Reduced gastric acid impairs ionic iron absorption (less relevant for bisglycinate form)
  • Zinc [MEDIUM] — Compete for DMT1 transporter — separate doses (less relevant for bisglycinate)
  • Calcium [MEDIUM] — Calcium inhibits iron absorption — separate by 2+ hours

Contraindications

  • Hemochromatosis
  • Iron overload conditions
  • Thalassemia (without documented deficiency)
  • Hemolytic anemias (unless also iron deficient)
  • Chronic transfusion therapy

Side Effects

  • GI distress (significantly less than ferrous sulfate)
  • Constipation (less common with bisglycinate)
  • Dark stools
  • Nausea
  • Iron overload if supplemented unnecessarily

Key Papers

  • 10.1182/blood-2016-09-692715
  • 10.1016/j.cgh.2016.10.019
  • 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60865-0

Source Quality

Ferrochel (iron bisglycinate chelate, Albion Minerals) is the gold standard with GI tolerability far superior to ferrous sulfate. Iron protein succinylate (IPS) and polysaccharide iron complex are alternatives. NEVER use ferrous sulfate if bisglycinate is available — equivalent efficacy with far fewer side effects. Brands: Thorne Iron Bisglycinate, NOW Iron Bisglycinate, Solgar Gentle Iron.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. BioAccelera Labs does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before using any compound.

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