Addressing Iron deficiency anemia in Bangladesh: The role of west Bengal chemical industries ltd., Kolkata, India to manufacture ferric citrate in enhancing bioavailability and reducing side effects

Anemia, a condition marked by reduced red blood cell or hemoglobin levels, affects over 1.92 billion people globally, with a particularly high prevalence in Bangladesh. This condition impedes oxygen delivery, leading to fatigue, weakness, and diminished physical productivity, contributing to economic challenges, especially in developing regions. Iron supplementation remains central to anemia management, yet traditional iron salts, such as ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate, often result in gastrointestinal discomfort, limiting patient adherence. Ferric citrate, with its improved bioavailability, enhanced gastrointestinal tolerance, and stability across varying pH levels, represents a promising alternative. Furthermore, ferric citrate offers additional benefits, such as reducing serum phosphate levels and binding uremic toxins, making it advantageous for populations with kidney disease and for pregnant women who require safer iron supplementation.
West Bengal Chemical Industries Ltd. (WBCIL) manufactures a high-purity ferric citrate with stringent quality standards, ensuring minimal contaminants like heavy metals and organic acids, which enhances safety and efficacy. Despite these advantages, ferric citrate is underutilized in Bangladesh, where traditional iron salts dominate the market. Increasing awareness and accessibility of ferric citrate could significantly improve anemia management, particularly for vulnerable populations. This review highlights the potential of ferric citrate in addressing Bangladesh’s anemia burden, emphasizing its clinical benefits, safety profile, and need for broader adoption in public health initiatives.