Iron

Critical for those with documented deficiency; evidence is overwhelming for treating iron-deficiency anemia. Supplementation without deficiency risks iron overload and oxidative damage.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Iron is a component of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochromes. Iron-deficiency anemia affects over 1 billion people globally. Supplementation reliably corrects anemia and associated fatigue, cognitive impairment, and exercise intolerance. Excess iron is pro-oxidant and associated with increased cardiovascular and cancer risk.

• Corrects iron-deficiency anemia and associated fatigue
• Restores cognitive function impaired by deficiency
• Essential for oxygen transport and energy metabolism

Deficiency treatment: 65-200 mg elemental iron daily, ideally on empty stomach with vitamin C. Maintenance: based on ferritin levels. Alternate-day dosing may improve absorption.

• Constipation and GI discomfort (common)
• Nausea
• Dark stools
• Risk of iron overload with chronic excess

Do not supplement without documented deficiency or medical guidance. Iron overload (hemochromatosis) is dangerous. Keep away from children; iron poisoning can be fatal.

Supplementation is only appropriate for documented deficiency. Routine supplementation in iron-replete individuals may be harmful. Ferritin testing should guide supplementation decisions.

• Energy70
• Focus45
• Immunity40