| abstract |
A water-soluble iron dextran having a high iron content is prepared by adding to an aqueous solution containing more than 200 mmol D-glucose per 1000 U alpha (1->6)-D- glucosyltansferase, at 265 to 310K and a pH value of 4.5 to 8, an aqueous sucrose solution in a mole ratio of sucrose to glucose of from 2.0 to 5.0; separating, after the consumption of the sucrose, glucose, liberated fructose and undesired oligosaccharides; reacting the so-purified dextran, having an average molar mass of from 2000 to 4000, with freshly precipitated iron (III) hydroxide and, if desired, further purifying the same. Iron dextrans having an iron content of from 27 to 33 percent by weight and an average molar mass of the dextran component of from 2000 to 4000, may be prepared according to the process of the invention which can be used in the treatment of iron deficiency. |