Iron(III) citrate

Ferric citrate or iron(III) citrate describes any of several complexes formed upon binding any of the several conjugate bases derived from <a href="/facts/Citric_acid/EgKGQBdl">citric acid</a> with ferric ions. Most of these complexes are orange or red-brown. They contain two or more Fe(III) centers.
Ferric citrates contribute to the <a href="/facts/Metabolism/WxDrm8k5">metabolism</a> of iron by some organisms. Citrates, which are released by plant roots and by some microorganisms, can solubilize iron compounds in the soil. For example <a href="/facts/Iron(III)_hydroxide/YpW6aAAS">ferric hydroxide</a> reacts with citrates to give form soluble complexes. This solubilization provides a pathway for the absorption of the ferric ions by various organisms.
Ferric citrate is used in medicine to regulate the <a href="/facts/Human_blood/03zEulkj">blood</a> levels of iron in patients with <a href="/facts/Chronic_kidney_disease/4YKH9wpo">chronic kidney disease</a> on <a href="/facts/Kidney_dialysis/KQgUGz8p">dialysis</a>. It acts by forming an insoluble compound with <a href="/facts/Phosphate/FDGVCxUG">phosphate</a> present in the diet and thus minimizing its uptake by the <a href="/facts/Digestive_system/SdpF0sWq">digestive system</a>.

Iron(III) citrate open-in-new

Iron(III) citrate