Ferrous lactate is a chemical compound, the iron salt of lactic acid produced by chemical synthesis from lactic acid in two steps: in the first step, the reaction produces barium lactate, and in the second, the barium ion is replaced with the ferrous ion. From an ecological point of view, it is non-toxic, environmentally safe and promotes algae growth. Commercially it is found in dihydrate and trihydrate form.

The name describes the structure of the molecule

• Ferrous - Indicates the presence of iron in the +2 oxidation state.
• Lactate - Derived from lactic acid, a carboxylic acid.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Lactic acid - A carboxylic acid, often derived from the fermentation of carbohydrates.
• Ferrous sulfate - A common source of iron (II) ions.

Synthesis process

• Reaction - Lactic acid reacts with ferrous sulfate in an aqueous solution.
• Precipitation - Ferrous lactate precipitates out of the solution and can be collected via filtration.
• Purification and drying - The precipitate is washed and subsequently dried to obtain pure ferrous lactate.

It appears in the form of a water-soluble yellowish powder.

What it is used for and where

Food

It is included in the list of food additives under the number E585 and acts as an acidity regulator, antibacterial (1) and easily absorbable iron fortificator. It can be used as an antioxidant in certain food products to prevent spoilage caused by oxidation.

It is used as a fixative for ripe olives, is used in infant formula (2), as a supplement for iron deficiency. Ferrous lactate is GRAS for various and general uses in the United States, with no restrictions other than good manufacturing practices. Ferrous lactate can be used as a food and nutrient supplement.

Medical

Ferrous lactate is effective in correcting anaemia as a supplement and provides the standard 10 mg iron (3) and by the pharmaceutical industry as a source of therapeutic iron.

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

The most relevant studies on this ingredient have been selected with a summary of their contents:

Ferrous lactate studies

• Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₀FeO₆
• Linear Formula [CH₃CH(OH)COO]₂Fe · xH₂O
• Molecular Weight: 233.985 g/mol
• UNII: 5JU4C2L5A0
• CAS: 5905-52-2  85993-25-5
• EC Number: 227-608-0  289-080-8
• FEMA Number: 4699
• Beilstein Registry Number 6099658

Synonyms:

• Ferrous Lactate 
• Iron(II) lactate
• Iron(2+) lactate, (2:1)
• Iron(2+) lactate
• Lactic acid, iron(2+) salt (2:1)
• Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, iron(2+) salt (2:1)
• Iron, bis((2S)-2-(hydroxy-kappaO)propanoato-kappaO)-, (T-4)-
• 2-hydroxypropanoate; iron(2+)
• (S)-Bis(lactato-O1,O2)iron
• Iron(2+) 2-hydroxypropanoate, (2:1)

References_________________________________________________________________________

(1) Liang, Y., Zhang, L., Qu, Y., Li, H. and Shi, B., 2020. Antibacterial activity of buckwheat honey added with ferrous lactate against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. LWT, 117, p.108624.

(2) Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 22 / Wednesday, February 3, 2016 / Rules and Regulations 5595

(3) Mosha, T.C., Laswai, H.H., Assey, J. and Bennink, M.R., 2014. Efficacy of a low-dose ferric-EDTA in reducing iron deficiency anaemia among underfive children living in malaria-holoendemic district of Mvomero, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 16(2).