Iron
INCI: Iron (mineral; multiple salts supplied)
Iron is an essential mineral required for haemoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and cognitive function. In gummy formats it is most commonly used in women's-wellness, kids', and energy-positioned ranges, with eight EU-authorised health claims under Regulation 432/2012.
- Energy & vitality
- Women's wellness
- Kids' essentials
At a glance
- Definition
- Iron is an essential mineral required for haemoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and cognitive function. In gummy formats it is most commonly used in women's-wellness, kids', and energy-positioned ranges, with eight EU-authorised health claims under Regulation 432/2012.
- Authorised wording (summary)
- 8 authorised statements — see "EU-authorised health claims" below.
- Common positionings
- Energy & tiredness
- Women's wellness (cycle support)
- Kids' essentials
- Pregnancy support
- Vegan multivitamins
- Format suitability
- Reviewed for gummies and sachets — confirmed per project.
Where this ingredient fits in the DAT Supply catalogue
Every format chip links through to its manufacturing hub and to the private-label catalogue for that format. The category chip routes to the matching vertical hub on the categories index.
- Vitamins & minerals
- Browse all ingredients
What it is
Iron is an essential mineral required for haemoglobin synthesis, oxygen transport, energy metabolism, and cognitive function. In gummy formats it is most commonly used in women's-wellness, kids', and energy-positioned ranges, with eight EU-authorised health claims under Regulation 432/2012.
For private-label brands, iron is a foundational mineral with well-characterised regulatory framework and broad consumer recognition. Ferrous bisglycinate is the gold standard for gummy formats — gentle on the stomach, well-tolerated, and minimal metallic taste. Iron pyrophosphate is the premium choice for kids' ranges where palatability is paramount. Vegan / kosher / halal positioning depends on the selected raw material and supplier documentation — confirmed per project.
Why brands use Iron
Iron is one of the most familiar and commercially understood gummy minerals across EU and US markets. Pairs naturally with Vitamin C — Vitamin C significantly enhances non-heme iron absorption (authorised EU claim). Often combined with Folate and B-vitamins for women's-wellness positioning.
EU NRV: 14 mg. Adult-positioned gummies typically deliver 7–14 mg (50–100% NRV); women's-cycle ranges go higher at 14–18 mg. EFSA-authorised claims trigger at ≥15% NRV (2.1 mg). Iron has a metallic taste that limits palatable gummy doses — chelated bisglycinate is the strategic choice. For pack-copy, DAT reviews wording per project against Reg. 1924/2006 and the authorised list under Reg. 432/2012.
Formats this ingredient is reviewed for
DAT Supply covers gummy, capsule, softgel, tablet, powder, oral strip, liquid drop, shot, jelly and pet formats. The list below reflects every format this ingredient is reviewed for — chips link through to the manufacturing hub for each format. Final compatibility, dose and matrix are confirmed per project.
Formulation notes
Verified formulation reference across the formats this ingredient is reviewed for — the Supported formats section lists every product format this active is approved for, and the per-format Considerations section below covers matrix-specific guidance. Final formulation, dose and on-pack copy are confirmed per project.
- Gummy fit
- Limited
- Heat stable
- Yes
- Soluble in matrix
- Yes
- Cost tier
- Low
Forms available
- Ferrous bisglycinate (chelated, gentle on stomach)
- Ferrous fumarate (standard form)
- Ferrous sulphate (cost-effective)
- Iron pyrophosphate (encapsulated, low taste impact)
Dosage reference
EU NRV: 14 mg. Adult-positioned gummies typically deliver 7–14 mg (50–100% NRV); women's-cycle ranges go higher at 14–18 mg. EFSA-authorised claims trigger at ≥15% NRV (2.1 mg). Iron has a metallic taste that limits palatable gummy doses — chelated bisglycinate is the strategic choice.
Taste & sensory
Iron has a strong metallic note that requires careful flavour-masking. Ferrous bisglycinate is the most palatable; iron pyrophosphate is microencapsulated and minimises taste impact in gummies. Citrus and berry flavour systems mask iron most effectively.
Manufacturing notes
Ferrous bisglycinate is the gold standard for gummy formats — gentle on the stomach, well-tolerated, and minimal metallic taste. Iron pyrophosphate is the premium choice for kids' ranges where palatability is paramount. Vegan / kosher / halal positioning depends on the selected raw material and supplier documentation — confirmed per project.
Per-format formulation notes
Safe-baseline considerations for each format this ingredient is reviewed for. Final formulation, dose and on-pack copy are confirmed per project.
Gummies
- Taste masking and aroma load against the cooked-base flavour — confirmed per project.
- Heat exposure during cooking; coated or encapsulated forms may be required — confirmed per project.
- Matrix choice (pectin vs gelatin) and its effect on ingredient stability — confirmed per project.
- Per-gummy dose and serving count needed to hit the label claim — confirmed per project.
Sachets
- Powder flow and dose accuracy at single-serve sachet weights — confirmed per project.
- Barrier requirements (oxygen, moisture) for the active — confirmed per project.
- Reconstitution behaviour when the sachet is dosed into water — confirmed per project.
EU-authorised health claims
- Iron contributes to normal cognitive functionReg. (EU) 432/2012
- Iron contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolismReg. (EU) 432/2012
- Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobinReg. (EU) 432/2012
- Iron contributes to normal oxygen transport in the bodyReg. (EU) 432/2012
- Iron contributes to normal function of the immune systemReg. (EU) 432/2012
- Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigueReg. (EU) 432/2012
- Iron has a role in the process of cell divisionReg. (EU) 432/2012
- Vitamin C increases iron absorptionReg. (EU) 432/2012
Authorised at ≥15% NRV per daily serving. Claim wording must appear verbatim on consumer packaging. DAT reviews final pack copy per project against EU 1924/2006 and the authorised list under EU 432/2012.
Wording to avoid on pack copy
- No disease claims — do not state or imply that Iron cures, prevents, or treats anaemia or any other disease.
- Disclose 'consult your doctor before use, especially if pregnant or anaemic' on pack at higher dose ranges.
- No certification promises (vegan / kosher / halal / organic) on pack until per-project and per-batch supplier documentation is confirmed.
- No guaranteed shelf-life on pack until confirmed per project with stability data.
Iron health claims are authorised at ≥15% NRV per daily serving (≥2.1 mg). Iron is sensitive at high intakes — disclose population-specific guidance (pregnant women, men, post-menopausal women). DAT reviews wording per project against Reg. 1924/2006 and Reg. 432/2012.
Studies & evidence
External peer-reviewed sources and regulatory opinions. Citations only — DAT does not endorse the publishers.
EFSA NDA Panel·EFSA Journal·2009
Pineda O, Ashmead HD·Nutrition·2001
European Commission·EUR-Lex·2012
Product concepts featuring Iron
Private-label product concepts where Iron appears in the formula. Each opens to a product brief and quote route.
Kids Iron Gummies
Kids Iron Gummies is a white-label pectin-gummy supplement concept for brands building a kids & family range. Final positioning, claims and documentation are reviewed per project and target market.
Women's Multivitamin Gummies
Women's Multivitamin Gummies is a white-label pectin-gummy supplement concept for brands building a women's health range. Final positioning, claims and documentation are reviewed per project and target market.
Pregnancy Support Gummies
Pregnancy Support Gummies is a white-label pectin-gummy supplement concept for brands building a women's health range. Final positioning, claims and documentation are reviewed per project and target market.
Multivitamin Gummies
Multivitamin Gummies is a white-label pectin-gummy supplement concept for brands building a daily wellness range. Final positioning, claims and documentation are reviewed per project and target market.
Synergies & conflicts
Pairs well with
Pairs naturally with Vitamin C — Vitamin C significantly enhances non-heme iron absorption (authorised EU claim). Often combined with Folate and B-vitamins for women's-wellness positioning.
Care when combining with
Iron competes with Calcium and Zinc absorption at high simultaneous doses — not a practical concern at typical gummy levels but worth disclosing on multi-mineral pack copy. May cause GI upset at high doses. Disclose 'consult your doctor before use, especially if pregnant or anaemic' on pack.
Adjacent reading
Pairings, resource guides and blog notes most often associated with Iron on DAT Supply briefs.
Common pairings
Ingredients that frequently co-formulate with Iron.
Develop a formula featuring Iron
A ready white-label formula exists — open a product brief, or talk to our team to align the launch plan.