Ferric pyrophosphate is a stable, tasteless, and odorless iron compound primarily used to prevent and treat iron-deficiency anemia, most commonly as a food fortificant in cereals, flour, rice, beverages, and infant formulas, as well as in dietary supplements and certain pharmaceutical preparations; it is preferred over other iron salts because it causes less gastrointestinal irritation, maintains food quality without altering taste or color, and provides an effective, bioavailable source of iron for both medical and nutritional applications.