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Iron

Treating and preventing Iron Deficiency Anemia

Evidence · Grade CSafety · Use with caution
Meta-analysis availableSystematic review availableHuman trial evidenceTraditional useSafety cautionInteraction risk

Iron is an essential mineral crucial for oxygen transport, energy production, and immune function, primarily known for its role in preventing and treating Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Iron is an essential mineral vital for numerous bodily functions, most notably oxygen transport. It is a key component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, and myoglobin, which stores oxygen in muscle cells. Iron also plays a crucial role in energy production, DNA synthesis, and immune function. Dietary iron comes in two forms: heme iron, found in animal products, and non-heme iron, found in plant-based foods and fortified products. Heme iron is more readily absorbed by the body. Iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency worldwide, leading to conditions like Iron Deficiency Anemia. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and impaired cognitive function. While essential, excessive iron intake can be toxic, as the body has limited mechanisms for excreting excess iron. Therefore, iron supplementation should generally be guided by a healthcare professional, especially in individuals without a confirmed deficiency.

Quick answer

What it is: Iron is an essential mineral vital for numerous bodily functions, most notably oxygen transport.

May support:Iron Deficiency Anemia, Celiac Disease, Primary Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, Alopecia, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Restless Leg Syndrome, Folate Deficiency, Chronic Fatigue, Hypothyroidism, ADHD, Thyroid Disorders, Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Evidence:Evidence · Grade C

Safety:Safety · Use with caution

Evidence Summary

Evidence · Grade C

Iron's role in hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport is well-established through extensive physiological and clinical research. Supplementation is a standard and highly effective treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia, with clear evidence of improving hematological parameters and alleviating symptoms. The efficacy and safety profile, when used appropriately, are well-documented.

Last reviewed · Jun 2026

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Why It Works

Iron is a core component of hemoglobin, facilitating oxygen binding and transport in red blood cells. It also participates in enzymatic reactions critical for energy metabolism and DNA synthesis.

How it works in more detail

Iron's primary mechanism involves its role as a cofactor in metalloproteins and enzymes. As part of hemoglobin, iron reversibly binds oxygen in the lungs and releases it in tissues, enabling cellular respiration. In myoglobin, it stores oxygen in muscle cells. Iron is also integral to cytochromes, which are involved in the electron transport chain for ATP production. Furthermore, it is required for the synthesis of DNA, various hormones, and neurotransmitters. Iron absorption is tightly regulated, primarily in the duodenum, influenced by iron stores, dietary factors, and the form of iron consumed (heme vs. non-heme).

How to use

Always consult a qualified clinician.

Editorial guidance

Suggested dosage
For individuals with confirmed iron deficiency, a common starting dose is 30-60 mg of elemental iron daily, often taken as ferrous sulfate or iron bisglycinate, under medical supervision. For general supplementation in those at risk, 10-20 mg elemental iron daily may be used.
Research dosage range
For Iron Deficiency Anemia: 60-200 mg elemental iron per day, often divided into 1-3 doses. For prevention: 10-20 mg elemental iron per day.
Typical onset
Improvements in symptoms of iron deficiency anemia may be noticed within a few weeks, but it can take several months to fully replenish iron stores.
Typical forms
tablet, capsule, liquid, chewable
Quality markers
Look for elemental iron content clearly stated. Chelate forms like iron bisglycinate may offer better absorption and fewer gastrointestinal side effects. Third-party testing for purity and heavy metals is beneficial.
Medication interactions
  • Antacids
  • Tetracycline antibiotics
  • Quinolone antibiotics
  • Levothyroxine
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • Calcium supplements
  • Bisphosphonates
Avoid if
  • Hemochromatosis
  • Hemosiderosis
  • Certain types of anemia (e.g., thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia)
  • Active peptic ulcer
Pregnancy / lactation
Iron supplementation is often recommended during pregnancy to prevent deficiency, but doses should be determined by a healthcare provider. It is generally considered safe during lactation at appropriate doses.

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Suggested dosage

For individuals with confirmed iron deficiency, a common starting dose is 30-60 mg of elemental iron daily, often taken as ferrous sulfate or iron bisglycinate, under medical supervision. For general supplementation in those at risk, 10-20 mg elemental iron daily may be used.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Active medicinal compounds

Elemental iron, typically provided as iron salts (e.g., ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate) or iron bisglycinate.

Traditional use

While not a traditional herb, iron-rich foods have been consumed for centuries to address symptoms now recognized as iron deficiency. Ancient cultures often recognized the revitalizing effects of certain foods (like liver or dark leafy greens) without understanding the specific mineral involved. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda emphasize balancing 'blood' and 'qi,' which can indirectly relate to iron status, though iron itself is not a distinct 'remedy' in these systems.

Safety

Safety warnings

Iron supplementation should only be undertaken with a confirmed deficiency, as excessive iron can be toxic. Symptoms of iron overload include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, organ damage. Keep iron supplements out of reach of children, as accidental overdose is a leading cause of poisoning fatalities in young children.

Avoid if

  • Hemochromatosis
  • Hemosiderosis
  • Certain types of anemia (e.g., thalassemia, sideroblastic anemia)
  • Active peptic ulcer

Medication interactions

  • Antacids
  • Tetracycline antibiotics
  • Quinolone antibiotics
  • Levothyroxine
  • Proton pump inhibitors
  • Calcium supplements
  • Bisphosphonates

Reported side effects

  • Constipation
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark stools
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn

Pregnancy & lactation

Iron supplementation is often recommended during pregnancy to prevent deficiency, but doses should be determined by a healthcare provider. It is generally considered safe during lactation at appropriate doses.

General guidance — discuss specifics with a clinician.

Evidence ecosystem

Scientific literature, clinical guidance, government sources, ongoing research, traditional use, and lived experience — grouped by source type and quality.

Overall grade (C)

Iron's role in hemoglobin synthesis and oxygen transport is well-established through extensive physiological and clinical research. Supplementation is a standard and highly effective treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia, with clear evidence of improving hematological parameters and alleviating symptoms. The efficacy and safety profile, when used appropriately, are well-documented.

Filter by source type

Meta-Analyses(5)

Pooled analyses across multiple human trials.

Very High Quality
  • Efficacy of vitamin C with Fe supplementation in patients with iron deficiency anemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

    Deng J, Ramelli L, Li PY, Eshaghpour A, Li A, Schuenemann G · Blood vessels, thrombosis & hemostasis · 2024 · n=1930

    Oral iron (Fe) supplementation is one of the mainstays of treatment for iron deficiency anemia (IDA). However, its therapeutic effects are limited when there is poor absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin C is hypothesized to improve uptake when combined as an adjunct agent. We aimed to determine the difference in hematologic outcomes in patients with IDA receiving oral iron, with or without vitamin C. MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from database inception to July 2023 for studies investigating the use of oral iron supplements with vitamin C in patients with IDA. The primary outcome was the change in serum hemoglobin (Hb). Secondary outcomes include change in serum ferritin, reticulocyte percentage, and incidence of adverse events. A total of 2231 studies were retrieved; 10 randomized control trials (n = 1782), and 1 prospective cohort study (n = 148) comprising 1930 patients were includ

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
  • Relationship between Iron Deficiency and Thyroid Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    Garofalo V, Condorelli RA, Cannarella R, Aversa A, Calogero AE, La Vignera S · Nutrients · 2023

    Objective: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency worldwide. Low levels of serum ferritin (SF) could affect the thyroid gland and its functioning. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the main currently available evidence and analyze data on the relationship between ID and thyroid function. Methods: This study included all articles evaluating the relationship between ID and thyroid function. Quality assessment was performed using Cambridge Quality Checklists. The search strategy included the following combination of Medical Subjects Headings terms and keywords: "iron deficiency", "thyroid function", "thyroid disease", "thyroid dysfunction", and "hypothyroidism". A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate whether thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) levels differed between patients with ID and healthy controls without ID. For statistical comparison between cases and controls,

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality
  • Treatment efficacy of vitamin C or ascorbate given as co-intervention with iron for anemia - A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies.

    Loganathan V, Bharathi A, Prince AM, Ramakrishnan J · Clinical nutrition ESPEN · 2023 · n=905

    Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the leading causes of anemia, globally. Oral vitamin C enhances iron absorption and is commonly prescribed with iron for anemia patients. Considering the lack of evidence to support this practice, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the treatment efficacy of experimental studies where oral vitamin C or ascorbate was given as co-intervention with iron compared to providing only iron among participants with anemia of all ages. A comprehensive strategy was used to search literature from PubMed, Cochrane and Google Scholar. Experimental studies conducted among participants with lab-confirmed anemia at baseline, with "oral ascorbic acid or vitamin C given as co-intervention with iron" as intervention and "only oral iron" as the comparator, and reported the outcomes hemoglobin or ferritin, were selected. Random-effects model was used to estimate standardized mean differences or odds ratio of outcomes, and sensitivity anal

    Meta-AnalysisPubMedVery High Quality

Systematic Reviews(4)

Structured reviews of the full body of evidence (incl. Cochrane).

Very High Quality
  • Iron and ferritin deficiency in women with hypothyroidism and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis - systematic review.

    Gierach M, Rudewicz M, Junik R · Endokrynologia Polska · 2024

    Iron is one of the essential microelements necessary for maintaining the body's homeostasis. It serves various roles, including being a crucial component in the proper structure of many enzymes and supporting the transport of oxygen and electrons. Its deficiency can lead to anaemia, which is a common clinical condition often associated with thyroid diseases. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, and its prevalence is strongly associated with socioeconomic status. It is the primary cause of anaemia in 42% of children and 50% of women. Importantly, iron deficiency is placed among the top 5 causes of disability in women. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme essential for the production of thyroid hormones, and iron is a key factor in its proper functioning. Therefore, in the case of iron deficiency, the activity of this enzyme is also reduced. Iron is also a factor that is important in epigenetic modification processes, and its deficiency may contribute to g

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality
  • Helicobacter pylori-negative Chronic Gastritis in Children: A Systematic Review.

    Assa A, Borrelli O, Broekaert I, Saccomani MD, Dolinsek J, Martin-de-Carpi J · Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition · 2022

    To systematically review the current evidence on Helicobacter pylori-negative chronic gastritis including natural history, available therapies and outcomes. Articles providing data on the prevalence, treatment or outcomes of Helicobacter pylori-negative gastritis were identified through a systematic search in the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases. All original research articles from human studies until October 31, 2021, were included. A total of 54 studies were included consisted of eosinophilic gastritis (n = 9), autoimmune gastritis (n = 11), collagenous gastritis (n = 16), focally enhanced gastritis (n = 6), lymphocytic gastritis (n = 5) and other causes including idiopathic gastritis and chronic renal failure related (n = 7). Most of the included studies were either cross-sectional or longitudinal cohorts except for collagenous gastritis, which mainly included case reports and case series. The prevalen

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality
  • Dietary and nutritional interventions in children with cerebral palsy: A systematic literature review.

    Rebelo F, Mansur IR, Miglioli TC, Meio MDB, Junior SCG · PloS one · 2022

    Cerebral palsy is an extremely severe brain injury associated with multiple nutritional and clinical issues, such as underweight, gastroesophageal reflux, constipation, and nutrient deficiency. Evidence-based dietary and nutritional interventions may improve the quality of life of children with cerebral palsy. Systematically review randomized clinical trials evaluating nutritional and dietary interventions in the clinical, nutritional, and neurodevelopmental aspects of children with cerebral palsy. A search was performed in electronic databases (LILACS, Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, Brazilian Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Database, OpenGrey) using keywords. The search was firstly performed in May 2020 and updated on June 18th, 2021. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials, that included children between 2 and 12 years old, and evaluated the effect of nutritional or dietetic inte

    Systematic ReviewPubMedVery High Quality

Clinical Guidelines(15)

Recommendations from medical societies (NICE, AHA, ADA, ACG, Endocrine Society…).

High Quality
  • Guideline No. 461: The Management of Uterine Fibroids.

    Chen I, Kives S, Randle E, Rattray D, Sanders A, Vilos G · Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal d'obstetrique et gynecologie du Canada : JOGC · 2025

    To provide clinicians with an understanding of the clinical significance of fibroids for individuals with uteruses and provide evidence-based guidance on currently available treatment options. This clinical practice guidelines seeks to improve the lives of individuals with uterine fibroids and fibroid-associated menstrual bleeding or pressure symptoms. Fertility considerations are not discussed in detail, as they are described in the SOGC's Clinical Practice Guideline on The Management of Uterine Fibroids in Women with Otherwise Unexpected Infertility guideline.1 OPTIONS: This guideline reviews the available medical and surgical management options available for treatment of fibroid-related symptoms. Alternate procedural options, such as uterine artery embolization and energy-based treatment options are also reviewed. This clinical practice guideline is intended to facilitate the decision-making process between patients and healthcare providers regarding the assessment and management

    Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High Quality
  • Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children and Adolescents: Recommendations of the Polish Pediatric Society, the Polish Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, the Polish Society of Neonatology, and the Polish Society of Family Medicine.

    Chaber R, Helwich E, Lauterbach R, Mastalerz-Migas A, Matysiak M, Peregud-Pogorzelski J · Nutrients · 2024

    Background/Objectives. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide and is the leading cause of anemia in the pediatric population (microcytic, hypochromic anemia due to iron deficiency). Moreover, untreated iron deficiency can lead to various systemic consequences and can disrupt the child's development. Methods/Results. Therefore, a team of experts from the Polish Pediatric Society, the Polish Society of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, the Polish Neonatology Society, and the Polish Society of Family Medicine, based on a review of the current literature, their own clinical experience, and critical discussion, has developed updated guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of iron deficiency in children from birth to 18 years of age. These recommendations apply to the general population and do not take into account the specifics of individual conditions and diseases.

    Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High Quality
  • Screening and Supplementation for Iron Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia During Pregnancy: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement.

    US Preventive Services Task Force, Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, Wong JB, Chelmow D, Coker TR · JAMA · 2024

    Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia during pregnancy. According to survey data from 1999 to 2006, overall estimated prevalence of iron deficiency during pregnancy is near 18% and increases across the 3 trimesters of pregnancy (from 6.9% to 14.3% to 28.4%). An estimated 5% of pregnant persons have iron deficiency anemia. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening and supplementation for iron deficiency with and without anemia on maternal and infant health outcomes in asymptomatic pregnant persons. Asymptomatic pregnant adolescents and adults. The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient, and the balance of benefits and harms of screening for iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in asymptomatic pregnant persons on maternal and infant health outcomes cannot be determined. The USPSTF also concludes that the current evidence is insufficient, and the bala

    Clinical GuidelinePubMed (Practice Guideline)Very High Quality

Randomized Human Trials(3)

Controlled human studies with random assignment.

High Quality
  • Efficacy of Plant-Based Iron and Vitamin C in Adults With Iron Deficiency Anemia: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Study.

    Patel MN, Patel N, Maheshvari J · Cureus · 2025 · n=96

    Background Iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) is a common nutritional disorder marked by low hemoglobin and impaired oxygen transport, leading to fatigue and reduced quality of life. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of two plant-based iron formulations in adults with IDA. Plant-based iron supplements were investigated to overcome some of the shortcomings of conventional synthetic iron formulations, which are often associated with gastrointestinal intolerance, poor absorption, and oxidative stress. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 96 adults (males and non-pregnant, non-lactating females) aged 26-55 years with hemoglobin levels between 8-11 mg/dL. Participants were assigned to one of three groups for 60 days as follows: group A received 18 mg of plant-based iron from Murraya koenigii (Orgen-I) and 90 mg of vitamin C from Phyllanthus emblica (Orgen-C), group B received 18 mg of plant-based iron alone, and group C received a place

    Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality
  • Maternal iron deficiency anemia affects postpartum emotions and cognition.

    Beard JL, Hendricks MK, Perez EM, Murray-Kolb LE, Berg A, Vernon-Feagans L · The Journal of nutrition · 2005 · n=81

    The aim of this study was to determine whether iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in mothers alters their maternal cognitive and behavioral performance, the mother-infant interaction, and the infant's development. This article focuses on the relation between IDA and cognition as well as behavioral affect in the young mothers. This prospective, randomized, controlled, intervention trial was conducted in South Africa among 3 groups of mothers: nonanemic controls and anemic mothers receiving either placebo (10 microg folate and 25 mg vitamin C) or daily iron (125 mg FeS0(4), 10 microg folate, 25 mg vitamin C). Mothers of full-term normal birth weight babies were followed from 10 wk to 9 mo postpartum (n = 81). Maternal hematologic and iron status, socioeconomic, cognitive, and emotional status, mother-infant interaction, and the development of the infants were assessed at 10 wk and 9 mo postpartum. Behavioral and cognitive variables at baseline did not differ between iron-deficient anemic mothe

    Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality
  • Improvement in iron deficiency anemia through therapy with ferric ammonium citrate and vitamin C and the effects of aerobic exercise.

    Taniguchi M, Imamura H, Shirota T, Okamatsu H, Fujii Y, Toba M · Journal of nutritional science and vitaminology · 1991

    In 781 female college students, there were 41 cases of iron deficiency anemia, 209 of latent iron deficiency, 3 of other anemias, and 528 normal cases. Fifty-four volunteers recruited from the iron deficiency anemia and severe latent iron deficiency groups were randomly divided into 4 study groups. Groups I and III received 500 mg of vitamin C daily, and groups II and IV received ferric ammonium citrate (FeAC; equivalent to 6 mg iron) in addition to vitamin C for 9 weeks. Groups I and II were loaded by aerobic exercise at 50% VO2 max. Significant differences between groups were noted in serum ferritin (SF) in III/IV, hematocrit (Ht) in II/III and III/IV, and reticulocytes (RET) in I/II, I/IV, and III/IV. Hemoglobin (Hb) and other iron-related blood indices tended to normalize in groups II and IV when compared with the pre-values. VO2 max was elevated in groups I and II regardless of iron treatment, but was augmented more in group II than group I.

    Randomized TrialPubMedHigh Quality

Observational Studies(53)

Cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional human studies.

Moderate Quality
  • Chronic, Noninfectious Diarrhea: A Review.

    Singh P, Lee A, Sheth NM, Chey WD · JAMA · 2026

    Chronic diarrhea is defined as loose or watery stools lasting longer than 4 weeks and affects approximately 6% to 7% of adults in the US. More than 90% of patients with chronic diarrhea have a noninfectious etiology. The most common causes of chronic, noninfectious diarrhea are irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) and functional diarrhea. IBS-D typically presents with recurrent abdominal pain relieved or worsened after defecation. Functional diarrhea is a condition in which more than 25% of bowel movements in the preceding 3 months are loose or watery, but it is not associated with significant abdominal pain. Chronic diarrhea due to a small-bowel source, such as celiac disease or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, is typically associated with large-volume diarrhea and weight loss, with or without steatorrhea. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition defined by enteropathy precipitated by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals, and small intest

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
  • [Small intestine bacterial overgrowth: Myths and realities].

    Guardiola-Arévalo A, Mascort Roca J, Noguerol Álvarez M, Carrillo Muñoz R, Mendive Arbeloa JM, Amador Romero J · Atencion primaria · 2025

    The small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a clinical disorder resulting from colonization of the small intestine by an excessive number of microorganisms or by unusual microorganisms. When they are methane producers it is called intestinal methanogen overgroth (IMO). Known risk factors are congenital or acquired anatomical alterations, motility alterations, some systemic and autoimmune diseases, those that cause alterations in biliopancreatic secretions, hypochlorhydria and some drugs. It causes abdominal pain and distension, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, and weight loss, which can occur in different diseases or with intestinal malabsorption. In IMO there may be constipation. Suggestive analytical data may be iron deficiency, anemia, deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins or B12. The breath test with detection of exhaled H2 is the most accessible technique, but requires rigorous performance and interpretation. The central treatment is oral antibiotics, rifaximin of choice, but they

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality
  • Comorbidities Associated With Lichen Planopilaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    Chen LC, Ogbutor C, Bae S, Spencer C, Kelley KJ, Senna MM · International journal of dermatology · 2025

    Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is a primary cicatricial alopecia suggested to be associated with various comorbid medical conditions, including autoimmune, endocrine, and metabolic disorders. However, there is conflicting data regarding these associations. This study quantitatively evaluated the prevalence and odds of comorbidities among patients with LPP. PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched from inception to December 25, 2023, to include observational studies reporting prevalent/incident cases of at least one comorbidity in LPP patients. The study adhered to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA). Risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random-effect models were utilized to analyze available data. Of the 2535 studies screened, 59 studies were included for meta-analysis, comprising 15,178 LPP patients and 64,735,181 non-LPP controls. Among LPP patients, comorbidi

    Observational StudyPubMedLow Quality

Animal Studies(2)

Preclinical animal research — not a substitute for human evidence.

Low Quality
  • Nano-encapsulated Iron and Folic Acid-Fortified Functional Yogurt Enhance Anemia in Albino Rats.

    Darwish AMG, Soliman TN, Elhendy HA, El-Kholy WM · Frontiers in nutrition · 2021

    Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major health concern in developing countries, and these see an increased incidence in pregnant women and children in particular. The contribution of dairy products as natural products in drug delivery approaches is inspiring. This study aimed to analyze the application of iron (Fe) and folic acid (FA) bovine serum albumin-nanoparticles (BSA-NPs) as anti-anemic pharmacological agents that fortify stirred functional yogurt (SFY), comparing these with a plain control and SFY fortified with Fe and FA in free forms. The physicochemical, cytotoxicity, microbiological, viscosity, oxidative interactions, microstructural, sensorial analyses, and bioavailability properties of IDA-induced Albino rats were examined. The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Zetasizer, and Scan Electron Microscope (SEM) were applied. Nanocapsule-fortified SFY showed an enhanced apparent viscosity, water-holding capacity, microstructure, least lipid oxidation, and overall sensoria

    Animal StudyPubMedLow Quality
  • Interaction of vitamin C and iron.

    Lynch SR, Cook JD · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 1980

    Food iron is absorbed by the intestinal mucosa from two separate pools of heme and nonheme iron. Heme iron, derived from hemoglobin and myoglobin, is well absorbed and relatively little affected by other foods eaten in the same meal. On the other hand, the absorption of nonheme iron, the major dietary pool, is greatly influenced by meal composition. Ascorbic acid is a powerful enhancer of nonheme iron absorption and can reverse the inhibiting effect of such substances as tea and calcium/phosphate. Its influence may be less pronounced in meals of high iron availability--those containing meat, fish, or poultry. The enhancement of iron absorption from vegetable meals is directly proportional to the quantity of ascorbic acid present. The absorption of soluble inorganic iron added to a meal increases in parallel with the absorption of nonheme iron, but ascorbic acid has a much smaller effect on insoluble iron compounds, such as ferric oxide or ferric hydroxide, which are common food contami

    Animal StudyPubMedLow Quality

Government Health Sources(1)

Public-health agencies: NCCIH, NIH, CDC, NHS.

High Quality
  • Iron

    NIH National Library of Medicine

    This MedlinePlus page provides general information about iron, its importance in the body, dietary sources, and conditions related to iron deficiency. While it doesn't deeply delve into copper, it's a foundational resource for understanding iron metabolism.

    Government SourceNIH National Library of MedicineHigh Quality

Clinical Trial Registries(123)

Registered ongoing or completed trials (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Moderate Quality
  • Intravenous Iron Isomaltoside Versus Oral Iron Supplementation for Treatment of Iron Deficiency in Pregnancy: a Randomised, Comparative, Open-label Trial

    n=201 · NCT03188445 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

    Intravenous iron isomaltoside versus oral iron supplementation for treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
  • Impact of Oral Iron Supplementation With Sprinkles on Infectious Morbidity When Moderate to Severe Pediatric Malnutrition Is Highly Prevalent - A Non-Inferiority Safety Trial

    n=268 · NCT00530374 · COMPLETED · COMPLETED

    The purpose of this study is to determine the safety profile of oral iron supplementation (OIS) with Sprinkles in a pediatric population with high prevalence of Iron deficiency (ID) and moderate or severe malnutrition (MSM); the efficacy profile will also be investigated.

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality
  • Proactive High Dose Versus Low-dose Reactive Intravenous or Oral Iron in People on Peritoneal Dialysis (PALaDIN) - an Open-label, Feasibility Randomised Study

    n=30 · NCT06884280 · RECRUITING · RECRUITING

    Chronic kidney disease affects a significant portion of the UK population, with approximately 3.5 million adults diagnosed. At its most severe stage, end-stage kidney disease, individuals require frequent dialysis treatment. One form of dialysis, known as peritoneal dialysis, involves introducing and removing fluid from the abdominal cavity to help filter out toxins from the body. The kidneys are involved in various hormonal processes, including those responsible for producing red blood cells, making anaemia a common consequence of kidney failure. When designing a clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of any treatment, it is essential to determine the number of suitable and willing participants, as well as those who can complete all required tests and measurements. Identifying the most appropriate measurement to assess the impact of intravenous iron (iron injected directly into veins) is crucial to ensure that any observed changes are meaningful to people with CKD and their carers. To address these considerations, the investigators will conduct a pilot feasibility trial. In this trial, individuals with kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis will be randomly assigned to receive either high-dose or low-dose intravenous iron, or oral iron therapy. Over twelve months, the investigators will monitor their anaemia response, symptoms of kidney disease, quality of life, physical performance (such as the ability to walk for six minutes), and cognitive function. Additionally, the investigators will assess the impact of each intervention on the frequency of blood transfusions, whether those on oral iron require intravenous iron, and any changes in the dosage of erythropoietin-stimulating agents (drugs that increase blood production).

    Clinical TrialClinicalTrials.govModerate Quality

Evidence Summaries(1)

Curated cross-source summaries (TRIP Database and similar).

High Quality
  • Iron deficiency anaemia

    TRIP Database

    TRIP Database is a clinical search engine that allows users to quickly find high-quality research evidence, clinical guidelines, and other medical information on iron deficiency anaemia.

    Evidence SummaryTRIP DatabaseHigh Quality

Limitations: While effective for deficiency, research on iron's benefits for individuals without deficiency is limited. Optimal forms and dosing strategies for various populations are still areas of ongoing study. The potential for adverse effects with inappropriate use is a significant consideration.

This page is educational. Statements use phrases like "may support" and "has been studied for"because no remedy here is approved to cure, treat, or reverse any condition. Discussion happens on the ailment pages — community statistics here are derived from those reports. Always consult a qualified clinician.

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