Ferrous citrate, the iron(II) salt of citric acid, is primarily used as a bioavailable iron supplement in fortified foods, dietary products, and nutritional supplements. The citrate moiety enhances iron absorption and solubility, making it suitable for preventing and treating iron deficiency anemia. It is commonly incorporated into cereals, beverages, and ready-to-eat meals to boost iron content without altering taste or stability significantly.

In pharmaceuticals, it serves as a gentle, non-irritating source of iron for oral formulations and liquid medications. As a chelating agent, it improves the bioavailability and shelf life of iron in various products, preventing precipitation in solutions.

Additionally, it finds application in agriculture as a chelated iron source for foliar sprays or soil amendments, particularly in alkaline soils where iron availability to plants is limited.