Chelating agents fumaric acid

Fumaric acid is used primarily in liquid pharmaceutical preparations as an acidulant and flavoring agent. Fumaric acid may be included as the acid part of effervescent tablet formulations, although this use is limited as the compound has an extremely low solubility in water. It is also used as a chelating agent which exhibits synergism when used in combination with other true antioxidants. 

Fumaric acid Acidulant, flavoring agent, chelating agent synergist Exhibits synergism when used in combination with other true antioxidants. Low aqueous solubility... 

Absorption of iron by the individual varies with age, iron status, the amount and chemical form of the iron ingested, and with conditions in the gastrointestinal tract, only about 5—15% of iron in the diet being normally absorbed. Ferrous iron, as the sulphate, gluconate, fumarate or lactate or as ferrous ammonium sulphate, is appreciably taken up into the bloodstream from the duodenum, especially in the presence of ascorbic acid, a reducing agent. Little difference was found in the extent of their absorption between ferrous sulphate and the various chelates, but ferric ammonium citrate or polysaccharide complexes were only very poorly absorbed22)... 

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