Yellow iron oxide

Yellow iron oxide is an inorganic mineral pigment of natural or synthetic origin, obtained through the oxidation of iron. It appears as a fine powder with an ochre-yellow hue, and its chemical stability and low toxicity make it widely used across industrial and food-related sectors. In the field of food supplements, yellow iron oxide is used exclusively as a colourant (E172) to tint capsule shells or tablets. It has no nutritional or pharmacological properties of its own, and does not contribute to the bioavailable iron intake of the body. Its role is purely aesthetic and functional: to ensure clear visual identification of products and to maintain a consistent appearance. Its presence in a food supplement is subject to strict regulatory standards set by the European Union, which define the maximum permitted levels. It is generally well tolerated and considered safe at the levels typically used in common dosage forms.