Reduced Iron

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Reduced iron is a fine iron powder added to flour and cereals to fortify them.

What the evidence review says

Reduced iron is a fine iron powder added to flour and cereals to fortify them. The FDA lists it as safe for this use. The main issue is how well it works: some forms are poorly absorbed by the body, so global fortification guidance prefers other forms of iron.

The safety finding at fortification levels is not a toxicity problem for the general population. FDA affirms reduced, electrolytic, and carbonyl iron as GRAS nutrient supplements. The real limitation is that hydrogen-reduced iron is poorly and variably absorbed. A SUSTAIN task force concluded that only electrolytic iron powder could be recommended among elemental irons, at about twice the dose of ferrous sulfate because it is about half as well absorbed. Coarse reduced powders may do little to prevent iron deficiency. That is an effectiveness problem, not evidence that the powder is poisonous at flour levels. People with hereditary iron overload need individual clinical care for all iron sources; that is outside a food-additive rating.

• Source: Hurrell R et al., Nutr Rev, 2002 · doi:10.1301/002966402320964061

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.