Ferric Ammonium Citrate

MineralIron

What is it

Ferric ammonium citrate is an iron compound traditionally used as an iron supplement and food fortifier. It is more water-soluble than ferric phosphate.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Iron supplementation/fortification

Good Evidence

Provides iron, though less efficiently than ferrous salts.

How it works

Provides iron in the ferric (+3) state, requiring reduction before absorption. Better-absorbed than ferric orthophosphate due to its solubility but less than ferrous salts. Historically used in tonics and food fortification.

Dosage

Variable; used in fortification and some older liquid iron supplements.

When and how to take it

Per product label.

Safety

Similar to other iron compounds. Lower acute toxicity per gram compared to ferrous sulfate due to lower absorption.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in iron overload conditions.

Interactions

Standard iron interactions apply.

Frequently asked questions

Is ferric ammonium citrate a good iron supplement?⌄

Ferrous salts and chelates are usually preferred over ferric forms for absorption. Ferric ammonium citrate is sometimes used in liquid formulations.

References

Ferric Ammonium Citrate on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Ferric Ammonium Citrate (ChEBI:31604) — ChEBI link

Ferric Ammonium Citrate (PubChem CID 3080636) — PubChem link

Ferric Ammonium Citrate on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Ferric Ammonium Citrate (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.