5/21/2024

Iron Supplements and Blood Tests

Should iron supplements be stopped before blood tests to monitor anemia? Find out in the ConsumerTips section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

5/18/2017

What Iron Supplements Can and Cannot Do

Iron supplements can reduce fatigue in younger women and even improve learning in adolescent girls. If you give blood, taking iron reduces your time to recover by more than one month. However, a recent study found little benefit in giving iron to heart failure patients low in iron. Researchers have an idea why. For details about the uses of iron, see the "What It Does" section of the Iron Supplements Review, which includes our tests and comparisons of popular iron supplements.

11/16/2019

Be Careful With Iron

Iron supplements can be hard on the stomach, but be aware that very high doses may actually cause erosions and ulcers. Certain formulations are less likely to cause this problem. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

3/17/2025

Better Form of Iron?

Does iron that is in a "glycoprotein matrix" have better absorption than more commonly used forms of iron such as ferrous fumarate or iron bisglycinate (Ferrochel)? Find out what a recent study showed in the Forms of Iron section of our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among iron supplements.

6/14/2017

Best Iron?

Contrary to expectations, a study which compared the effectiveness of two forms of iron in treating anemia in young children found ferrous sulfate to be more effective than a newer form of iron. For details about this, the different forms of iron, how to take iron, and our tests and comparisons of brands of iron supplements, see the Iron Supplements Review >>

7/15/2012

Feeling fatigued? Iron may help

It's well known that fatigue can result from iron-deficiency anemia, but new research shows that some women who are not anemic can also benefit from iron. Women ages 18 to 53 with unexplained fatigue given iron experienced a nearly 50% reduction in fatigue in a recently published study. Get details about the treatment (including the dosage, duration, and type of iron supplement used) in the update to the Iron Supplements Review, which includes our tests of iron supplements similar to that used in this study. More >>

11/18/2020

Lactoferrin for Iron Absorption?

Can taking lactoferrin with iron boost iron absorption? Learn what studies are showing in the Forms of Iron section of our Iron Supplements review. Also, see our Top Picks for iron.

11/10/2023

Sublingual Iron

Sublingual iron is promoted as being better absorbed than oral iron supplements with less stomach upset. Is this true? Find out in the Forms of iron section of our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for iron.

5/29/2024

Trouble Swallowing & Iron Deficiency

Although uncommon, be aware that iron-deficiency anemia can make swallowing difficult for some people. Get the details, including if iron supplementation can help correct this symptom, in the Iron Deficiency and Anemia section of our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for iron.

Also see: 7 Tips to Avoid Getting a Pill Stuck in Your Throat.

3/31/2013

More Iron, Less PMS?

A new study showed that women getting more iron had a significantly lower risk of suffering PMS (premenstrual syndrome) -- but not just any type of iron. Get the details, as well as our ratings of iron supplements, in the updated Iron Supplements Review »

2/11/2015

Iron After Blood Donation

A new study showed that iron supplementation speeds the recovery of hemoglobin levels by several weeks after blood donation and suggests that the current time between donations may be too short. For details, as well as our tests of iron supplements, see the Iron Supplements Review >> 

10/16/2018

Iron Deficiency Cause

Regular use of certain popular medicines was associated with a large increase in the risk of iron deficiency, according to a new study. Get the details in the ConsumerTips section of the Iron Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.)

5/22/2021

Fibromyalgia Risk With Iron Deficiency Anemia?

A recent study suggests a link between iron deficiency anemia and fibromyalgia, particularly in women. Get the details in the What It Does section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

5/29/2021

Don't Do This If You Need Iron

If you're low in iron, be aware that many foods dramatically reduce absorption of iron from your diet. Teas can also have a major impact, as shown in a recent study. Get the details in the What to Avoid section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

9/21/2021

Iron Dose Falls

Recommended doses for correcting iron deficiency may be too high, according to recent guidelines. Get the details in the ConsumerTips section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

6/11/2024

How Often to Take Iron?

Is it better to take iron daily or several times per day for iron deficiency anemia? See what a recent study found in the How Much and When to Take section of our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among iron supplements.

8/08/2024

Who’s At Risk for Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency appears to be common among young athletes, and this could affect athletic performance, according to a recent study. Learn more and find out who else is at risk for iron deficiency in our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

6/27/2023

Aspirin & Anemia Risk

Taking daily, low-dose aspirin may increase the risk of iron-deficiency anemia in older men and women, according to a recent study. Get the details in our Iron Supplements Review.

Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

7/05/2023

Best Way to Take Iron

Find out the best way to take iron supplements to increase iron absorption, and see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

Also learn about the causes of iron deficiency.

7/25/2023

How to Take Iron for Best Absorption

Several recent studies suggest the best way to take an iron supplement. Get the details in the ConsumerTips section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

9/01/2023

Iron Cookware

Can cooking with cast iron cookware increase iron in your diet? Find out what research suggests in the ConsumerTips section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

3/31/2025

Iron Deficiency and Tinnitus?

Can iron deficiency cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears)? Find out in the Iron Deficiency and Anemia section of our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among iron supplements.

Also see our article about tinnitus and supplements.

3/24/2025

Caution With Iron

If you have trouble swallowing pills, be particularly cautious with iron pills, as highlighted by a recent report. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among iron supplements, including liquid and chewable iron.

Also see: 7 Tips to Avoid Getting a Pill Stuck in Your Throat

3/27/2025

Semaglutide & Iron Absorption

The GLP-1 agonist semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) may reduce iron absorption from supplements, according to a recent study. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among iron supplements.

4/04/2023

How to Take Iron

New research suggests the best way to take iron to treat iron-deficiency anemia. Get the details in our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among iron supplements.

3/18/2022

Unusual Cravings Can Be a Sign of Iron Deficiency

The urge to chew on ice, or consume or smell unusual substances, can be a sign of iron deficiency, as highlighted by a recently reported case. Get the details and learn about other symptoms of iron deficiency, in the What It Does section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks among iron supplements.

7/01/2022

Colorant & Iron Overload?

Some supplements contain red iron oxide as a colorant. Should people at risk for iron overload be concerned about the iron provided by this ingredient? Find out in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Iron Supplements Review.

9/08/2023

Best Iron

One form of iron may be better absorbed and cause less stomach upset than other forms, as was shown in a recent study. Get the details in the Forms of Iron and Avoiding Stomach Upset section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Pick for iron, which contains this form.

1/13/2025

Iron & Thyroid Function

Iron deficiency can cause an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), but it’s important that iron not be taken at the same time as thyroid medication. Get the details in our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for iron.

Also see our article about supplements and thyroid function.

7/14/2020

Precaution When Taking Iron

Supplementing with iron can cause constipation and even bowel obstruction. Find how to reduce these risks when taking iron in the ConsumerTips section of the Iron Supplements Review. Also see our Top Picks for iron.

10/21/2022

Stomach Damage from Iron Pills

Be aware that high-dose oral iron pills can sometimes damage the lining of the stomach and cause bleeding -- which can actually worsen anemia. Learn about recently reported cases, and what formulation of iron may reduce this risk, in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Iron Supplements Review.

5/22/2021

Does Iron Affect Stroke Risk?

There are downsides to taking too much iron, but a recent analysis suggests that getting a basic amount of iron may reduce stroke risk for women. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Iron Supplements Review.

8/22/2024

Iron During Pregnancy

How much iron, if any, should be taken during pregnancy? Find out what a recent review concluded in the What It Does section of our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for iron.

8/19/2024

Iron for Restless Legs Syndrome?

Is it true that taking iron can improve symptoms of restless legs syndrome? Find out in our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for iron.

10/17/2023

Grape Seed Extract and Iron

Be aware that grape seed extract may affect iron levels in the body. For details, see our Iron Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks for iron.

Also see: Which supplements can help treat anemia? Do any supplements cause a low red blood cell count?

10/29/2018

Iron and Stroke

Having too much iron in the body is associated with an increased risk of a variety of conditions and, according to a recent study, stroke is among these. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Iron Supplements Review. (Also see our Top Picks for iron when you need to supplement.)

8/02/2017

Iron for Restless Legs

Iron supplementation may help to reduce the severity of restless legs syndrome (RLS) symptoms in people who have deficient or low levels of iron, according to guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology. For details, including dosage, see the "What It Does" section of the Iron Supplements Review, which also includes our tests and quality comparisons of products.

11/04/2020

Vitamin C to Boost Iron?

Vitamin C is often touted to boost iron absorption. But does it really work? Find out what a recent study found in the ConsumerTips section of our Iron Supplements Review. Also, see our Top Picks for iron.

12/16/2017

Tea & Iron Absorption

A surprising number of foods and beverages, including tea, can interfere with the absorption of iron. When you drink your tea can make a big difference, according to a new study. Get the details in the Iron Supplements Review >>

3/16/2016

Don't Take Green Tea With Iron?

A study shows that iron can bind to a key flavanol (EGCG) in green tea, causing it to lose its anti-oxidant activity. Should you avoid iron-containing foods when using green tea? Find out in the "What to Consider When Using" section of the Green Tea Supplements and Teas Review >>

12/05/2018

Drug Interactions With Iron

Iron should not be taken at the same time as any of several prescription medications, due to potential interactions. A recent study adds to the list of medications of concern. For details, see the Concerns and Cautions section of the Iron Supplements Review.

2/22/2023

Bariatric Surgery and Iron

After bariatric ("stomach-reducing") surgery, be aware that iron requirements may significantly increase. Get the details in the What It Does section our Iron Supplements Review.

Also see our article about which supplements are important after bariatric surgery.

8/25/2023

Swallow Iron Carefully

Although rare, iron pills that end up in the windpipe and lungs can cause severe damage, as recently reported. See the Concerns and Cautions section of our Iron Supplements Review for details.

Also see: 7 Tips to Avoid Getting a Pill Stuck in Your Throat.

9/09/2024

Does Curcumin Interfere With MRIs?

Curcumin appeared to interfere with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in a recently reported case. Learn more in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements Review, which includes our Top Picks among turmeric and curcumin supplements and spices.

(Be aware that iron supplements may also interfere with MRI scans.)

Also see: Which vitamins and supplements should be stopped before getting blood work and laboratory tests?

2/13/2024

Crohn’s Disease, Colitis & Key Nutrients

Experts are advising that people with inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, be monitored for deficiencies in vitamin D and iron.

Also see our Top Picks among vitamin D and iron supplements.

10/12/2011

Women-Vitamin Study - Key Points

You may have heard this week about a new study which found a higher risk of death among women who used certain supplements. It's a complicated study, but we've summarized some key findings. Bear in mind that only white women ages 55 to 69 were enrolled in the study and they were followed for 22 years.

Those taking calcium supplements had a 3.8% reduced risk of death. The calcium benefit ended, however, when taking more than 900 mg per day from supplements. It's worth noting that experts suggest many older women who take calcium supplements may not need to -- see the Calcium Supplement Review for more.

The mineral most strongly associated with an increased risk of death was iron, which showed a risk increase of 3.9% -- and the risk increased as the dose increased, particularly over 50 mg per day. However, the study grouped dosages of under 50 mg together, making it hard to determine the risk of low dosages of iron, such as those in many multivitamins. However, there is very little reason why a postmenopausal woman should be taking iron -- see the Iron Supplement Review for more.

Although not as statistically meaningful, other supplements were associated with the following increases in the risk of death during the study: multivitamins (2.4%), vitamin B6 (4.1%), folic acid (5.9%), magnesium (3.6%), zinc (3.0%), and copper (18.0%). An abstract of the study is online.

The bottom line: Don't take a supplement you don't need. If you want to know how much of each vitamin and mineral you need from your total diet and how much is too much, see our chart at www.consumerlab.com/rdas/.

12/09/2022

Curcumin Effect on Iron Absorption

Curcumin may reduce the absorption of iron, and this interaction seems to depend on timing. Get the details in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Turmeric and Curcumin Supplements and Spices Review.

9/16/2024

Green Tea & Iron Deficiency

Severe iron-deficiency anemia was recently reported after regular consumption of green tea. Get the details in our Green Tea Review, which includes our Top Picks for green tea.

Also be aware that drinking green tea may significantly affect blood levels of a common beta-blocker, as well as statins, blood-thinners, and thyroid medication. See the Concerns and Cautions section of our Green Tea Review.

3/27/2019

Curcumin Caution: May Lower Iron

If you’re low in iron, be careful with high doses of curcumin (turmeric extract). See the Concerns and Cautions section of the Curcumin and Turmeric Review. Also see our Top Picks among products.

3/25/2022

Resveratrol and Anemia

A CL member recently reported developing mild iron deficiency anemia after use of a popular resveratrol supplement. Find out what research suggests about this connection in the Concerns and Cautions section of our Resveratrol review.

12/23/2022

Problem with Meat Alternatives

Although plant-based meat alternatives, like Impossible and Beyond Burgers, provide many nutrients, it may be difficult to absorb the iron contained in some of them, according to a recent study. For details, see our CL Answer about plant-based meat alternatives.