Ferric Pyrophosphate

‌Molecular Formula‌: Fe₄(P₂O₇)₃·8H₂O

‌Molecular Weight‌: 889.22
‌Iron Content‌: 24-26%

Basic Properties of Pyrophosphate Iron:

• ‌Appearance‌: White powder, odorless, and no iron aftertaste.
• ‌Solubility‌: Slightly soluble in water (0.37%, 25°C) and acetic acid; soluble in inorganic acids, ammonia water, and citric acid.
• ‌Stability‌: Stable in air without affecting product appearance.

Product Features of Pyrophosphate Iron:

• ‌Appearance‌: Almost insoluble in water, stable in nature, not easily oxidized, and does not accelerate fat oxidation.
• ‌Odor‌: No iron aftertaste, with a wide range of applications.

Manufacturing Method:

Prepared by adding sodium pyrophosphate solution to ferric chloride or iron citrate solution. The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed, dried, and crushed to obtain the product.

Quality Specifications (Q/ZRS 001-2009):

Application Notes for Pyrophosphate Iron:

1. ‌High Iron Content‌: Up to 24-30%, offering low reinforcement costs.
2. ‌Light Color‌: No iron aftertaste, with a wide range of applications.
3. ‌High Safety‌: Minimal gastrointestinal irritation, no adverse reactions or side effects. Listed as a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) substance by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1994.
4. ‌Stability‌: Heat-resistant, not easily oxidized, and does not accelerate fat oxidation during storage.
5. ‌Bioavailability‌: Contrary to common belief, minerals that are insoluble in water have poor bioavailability. However, recent research shows that the bioavailability of pyrophosphate iron is similar to that of water-soluble ferrous gluconate. This is due to an alternative mineral absorption mechanism of pyrophosphate iron, where iron is rapidly and extensively released under acidic conditions in the stomach (pH 2-3.5). Combined with other iron absorption enhancers in food, it achieves high bioavailability.

Based on its properties, pyrophosphate iron can also be used in liquids and high-fat carrier foods without accelerating fat oxidation. It is suitable for use in products such as flour, biscuits, bread, dry-mix milk, rice noodles, soy milk, and more. Additionally, it has been approved for use in infant formula food, health food, convenience food, and functional juice drinks in GB2760's 1997 supplementary variety list as an iron nutrient fortificant.