Ferroglukonat

Detailed information

What it is & how it is made

The EU specification defines ferrous gluconate as 'ferrous di-D-gluconate dihydrate'; its formula is C12H22FeO14·2H2O, its EINECS number is 206-076-3 and the assay is not less than 95 percent on the dried basis (Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012, E 579). It is a gluconate salt carrying the iron(II) ion.

Where it is used

Unlike the other gluconates it is not in the Group I quantum satis list; under EU Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 it is authorised with numerical maximum levels expressed as iron, as also recorded in EFSA's re-evaluation information-session document. Its JECFA functional classes are colour retention agent and nutrient supplement; its technological purpose is to stabilise the colour of plant products that darken through oxidation.

Health note

JECFA left the ADI for ferrous gluconate 'not specified' and set a provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) of 0.8 mg/kg body weight expressed as iron (31st JECFA, 1987). EFSA's re-evaluation is ongoing; EFSA reported that only use data are available for E 579 and that information on manufacturing, impurities and solubility is missing, stating that it will draft the opinion with these data gaps.

Halal assessment

The EU specification defines no manufacturing method or raw material for E 579, and EFSA has explicitly recorded that manufacturing information was not submitted. Although the legislation records nothing about animal raw material, unless the production route is documented it should be treated as source dependent; consult the manufacturer's halal certificate for a definitive answer.