E579 · Ferrous gluconate
- WHO
- Safe
- FDA
- Safe
- EFSA
- Safe
- FSANZ
- Safe
- Japan
- Safe
- UK FSA
- Safe
- Health Canada
- Safe
What is E579?
Ferrous gluconate is an iron salt of gluconic acid used as a dietary iron supplement and as a color fixative in some foods, such as black olives. It is also used in oral iron supplements to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia. It is generally well tolerated, though iron supplements can cause gastrointestinal upset in some people.
Also appears on labels as: Ferrous gluconate, Iron(II) gluconate, Fe-gluconate, Food grade ferrous gluconate, E579, E 579, E-579, INS 579, Ferrous D-gluconate, Additivo alimentare E579, Additif alimentaire E579, Lebensmittelzusatzstoff E579.
What the evidence says
- Generally safe at typical food and supplemental levels.
- Can cause gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, constipation) at higher supplemental doses.
- Iron supplementation should be avoided by people with iron-overload conditions (e.g. hemochromatosis) unless medically directed.
Frequently asked questions
Is E579 safe?
Our overall verdict for E579 (Ferrous gluconate) is “Safe”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — FDA: safe; WHO: safe; EFSA: safe; FSANZ: safe; Japan: safe; UK FSA: safe; Health Canada: safe.
Is E579 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Ferrous gluconate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E579 and why is it used?
Ferrous gluconate is an iron salt of gluconic acid used as a dietary iron supplement and as a color fixative in some foods, such as black olives. It is also used in oral iron supplements to treat or prevent iron-deficiency anemia. It is generally well tolerated, though iron supplements can cause gastrointestinal upset in some people.
Does E579 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Ferrous gluconate.
Watch E579
Get an email if the EFSA or FDA position on Ferrous gluconate changes, or when new research is added to this page.
EatMatrix reads any ingredient list with your camera and flags every additive instantly.
This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.