Iron and ferrous sulfate are both essential minerals that are necessary for human health. However, there is a big difference between these two minerals. Iron is found in many different foods, while ferrous sulfate is only found in animal products and fortified foods. Ferrous sulfate also has a higher absorption rate than iron, making it a better choice for people who are lacking in this mineral.
What is Iron?
- Iron is an essential mineral that is found in food and in the body. It is important for many functions in the body, including making hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Iron is also needed for making myoglobin, a protein that helps muscle cells store oxygen.
- Iron is found in food in two forms, heme, and non-heme iron. Heme iron, which makes up 40 percent of the iron in meat, poultry, and fish, is well absorbed.
- Non-heme iron, 60 percent of the iron in animal tissue, and all the iron in plants (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts) is less well absorbed. Iron absorption can be increased by eating foods that contain vitamin C along with non-heme iron sources.
- Iron absorption can be decreased by drinking coffee or tea with meals, or by taking calcium supplements. Too much or too little iron can be harmful.
What Is Ferrous Sulfate?
Ferrous sulfate is a chemical compound that is commonly used as a fertilizer, pigment, and textile printing mordant. It is also used as a coagulant for sewage treatment and as a material for the manufacture of iron(III) oxide. Ferrous sulfate is produced by the reaction of sulfuric acid with iron(II) sulfate or iron(III) oxide. Ferrous sulfate is a greenish-black crystalline solid with a metallic luster.
It is insoluble in water and has a bitter taste. Ferrous sulfate is corrosive and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Ingestion of ferrous sulfate can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ferrous sulfate should be stored in a cool, dry place out of reach of children and pets.
Difference between Iron and Ferrous Sulfate
Iron is an essential mineral that the body needs to function properly. It can be found in food, supplements, and even in the water, we drink. Ferrous sulfate is a type of iron supplement that is often used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It is important to note that there is a difference between iron and ferrous sulfate. Iron is the element itself, while ferrous sulfate is a compound that contains iron.
When taken as a supplement, the body absorbs ferrous sulfate more easily than it does iron from food sources. However, too much ferrous sulfate can be harmful, so it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any type of iron supplement.
Conclusion
Ferrous sulfate is a water-soluble, greenish-yellow mineral. It is the most common form of iron supplement and it is used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. Ferrous Sulfate can be found in various over-the-counter medications including children’s vitamins. Iron, on the other hand, is a metallic element that occurs naturally in the environment. While both ferrous sulfate and iron are essential for human health, they have different purposes and benefits.
