Iron is a crucial element for the human body, being an essential component of hemoglobin in red blood cells that carries oxygen to every part of the body. Iron deficiency is a common medical condition worldwide, especially in pregnant women and children, resulting in anemia (low hemoglobin) and other health complications.
In this article, we will discuss ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate as iron supplements, their chemical makeup and properties, benefits and side effects. We will also explore iron as a D block metal, its overview as an element, and ferrous and ferric forms.
Ferrous Fumarate and Ferrous Sulfate as Iron Supplements
Ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate are iron(II) salts that are widely used as iron supplements to treat iron-deficiency anemia. Iron is an essential mineral for the human body, and it plays a crucial role in various body processes, including respiration, metabolism, and oxygen transport.
Chemical Makeup and Properties
Ferrous fumarate (FeC4H2O4) is an iron compound that is made up of iron, fumaric acid, and water. It is a light-green powder that is sparingly soluble in water.
It has two crystalline forms, the anhydrous form and the monohydrate form (FeC4H2O4.H2O). On the other hand, ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) is an iron compound that contains iron, sulfur, and oxygen.
It is available in different crystal types, such as anhydrous, monohydrate, tetrahydrate, pentahydrate, hexahydrate, and heptahydrate. The most commonly used forms are the monohydrate and the anhydrous forms.
Benefits and Side Effects
Iron supplements are commonly used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of hemoglobin in the blood. This can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness.
Iron supplements are also used to prevent iron deficiency in pregnant women, infants, and young children. However, taking iron supplements can also cause side effects, such as drowsiness, severe nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and even bloody diarrhea.
Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before taking iron supplements and to follow the recommended dosage.
Iron as a D Block Metal
Overview of Iron as an Element
As a D block metal, iron (Fe) is an element with the atomic number 26. It is the fourth most abundant element in the earth’s crust, and it is essential for life.
Iron has six oxidation states, with the most common being +2 and +3.
Ferrous and Ferric Forms
Iron can exist in two forms; ferrous (Fe2+) and ferric (Fe3+). Ferrous iron has a +2 oxidation state, while ferric iron has a +3 oxidation state.
The ferrous form is usually more soluble in water than the ferric form.
Ionic Crystals
Iron forms ionic crystals with various anions, including chlorides, sulfates, nitrates, and phosphates. The most common iron salts used in various applications are ferrous sulfate and ferric chloride.
These salts are extensively used in water treatment and as iron supplements.
Conclusion
Ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate are widely used iron supplements that play a crucial role in treating iron-deficiency anemia. However, these supplements can also cause side effects if not taken properly.
Iron is an essential element for life, and it plays a crucial role in various body processes. As a D block metal, iron has six oxidation states, and it can exist in ferrous or ferric forms.
Iron salts are also widely used in various applications, including water treatment and as iron supplements.
3) Ferrous Fumarate
Ferrous fumarate is an iron supplement that contains iron in a form that the body can easily absorb. It is commonly used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, a condition caused by low levels of iron in the body.
In this section, we will discuss the chemical makeup and properties of ferrous fumarate and its use as an iron supplement, as well as its side effects.
Chemical Makeup and Properties
The chemical formula of ferrous fumarate is C4H2FeO4, and it has a molar mass of 169.9 g/mol. It is a reddish-orange powder that is slightly soluble in water and ethanol.
Ferrous fumarate is a stable compound and can be stored for long periods without decomposing.
Use as Iron Supplement and Side Effects
Ferrous fumarate is one of the most commonly prescribed iron supplements. It is used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, a condition in which there is a lack of iron in the body.
Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to different parts of the body. When taken in large amounts, ferrous fumarate can cause side effects such as drowsiness, severe nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and even bloody diarrhea.
Therefore, it is important to take ferrous fumarate as directed by a healthcare professional and to follow the recommended dosage.
4) Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement that is widely used to treat iron-deficiency anemia. It is also used in other applications, such as in agriculture, as a reduction agent, and as a precursor to synthesize various compounds.
In this section, we will discuss the chemical makeup and properties of ferrous sulfate, as well as its use as an iron supplement and other applications.
Chemical Makeup and Properties
The chemical formula for ferrous sulfate is FeSO4. It forms crystals with various hydrates, such as anhydrous, monohydrate, tetrahydrate, pentahydrate, hexahydrate, and heptahydrate.
The most common forms used as iron supplements are heptahydrate and anhydrous forms. Ferrous sulfate also forms a hexaaqua complex, [Fe(H2O)6]2+, which is responsible for the blue-green color of many copperas solutions.
It is a reducing agent and is easily oxidized to the ferric form, which is the form found in the environment.
Use as Iron Supplement and Other Applications
Ferrous sulfate is widely used as an iron supplement to treat iron-deficiency anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition caused by low levels of iron in the body, resulting in a lack of hemoglobin, which leads to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Ferrous sulfate is also used in agriculture to treat iron chlorosis, a condition that affects the growth and development of plants due to a lack of iron in the soil. It is also used as a precursor to synthesize various compounds, such as iron oxide and iron hydroxide.
In conclusion, ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate are commonly used iron supplements that help treat iron-deficiency anemia. Ferrous fumarate is a reddish-orange powder that is slightly soluble in water, and when taken in large amounts, it can cause side effects such as drowsiness and severe nausea.
Ferrous sulfate is widely used in agriculture and as a precursor to synthesize various compounds. It is a reducing agent and can also cause side effects when taken in large amounts, such as stomach pain and vomiting.
Iron is an essential element for the human body, and its deficiency can lead to anemia and other health complications. Ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate are commonly used iron supplements that help treat iron-deficiency anemia.
Ferrous fumarate is an organic anion that is a reddish-orange powder and can cause side effects in large amounts. On the other hand, ferrous sulfate is an inorganic anion that forms various hydrates and is responsible for the blue-green color of many copperas solutions.
Both supplements are widely used as iron supplements, but it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional and follow the recommended dosages to prevent any side effects. The importance of maintaining adequate iron levels cannot be overstated, and ensuring that our bodies have adequate iron is crucial to overall health and well-being.