Investigation of Iron Polysaccharide Complexes by GPC/SEC Using RI- and UV-Detection

Introduction

Human bodies contains iron in the red blood cells (as hemoglobin) or in muscle cells (as part of myoglobin). Both proteins are necessary for oxygen transport. Thus, iron is an essential nutrient. In case of iron deficiency, complexes of a polysaccharide and iron are applied as drugs to enhance low iron levels. Suitable characterization of these complexes and their formulations are mandatory for regulatory reasons, quality control and research.

GPC/SEC provides an easy and effective way to measure the molar mass distributions of iron polysaccharide complexes. In the present investigation, iron polysaccharide complexes from different sources were analyzed on a GPC/SEC system with simultaneous UV/RIdetection.