Mineral guide
Iron
Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy metabolism. It is highly relevant for fatigue and women’s wellness, but it is also one of the nutrients that should not be supplemented blindly.
Strong for deficiencyHemoglobin and oxygen transportEnergy metabolism when lowWomen’s wellness when deficiency risk is present
Supports
- Hemoglobin and oxygen transport
- Energy metabolism when low
- Women’s wellness when deficiency risk is present
- Pregnancy needs under clinician guidance
Best for
- Low ferritin or iron deficiency
- Heavy periods
- Pregnancy planning or pregnancy under clinician care
- Vegan diets with low iron intake
Cautions
- Too much iron can be harmful.
- Keep iron away from children.
- Iron deficiency can signal bleeding or another medical issue.
- Do not combine iron products unknowingly.
Food Sources
Red meat
Poultry
Fish
Lentils
Beans
Spinach
Fortified grains
Supplement Forms
Ferrous sulfate
Ferrous bisglycinate
Ferrous fumarate
Ferrous gluconate
Timing
Often absorbed better away from calcium and tea/coffee; taking with vitamin C may help. Food can improve tolerance.
Interactions To Check
Calcium
Tea and coffee
Levothyroxine
Some antibiotics
Antacids
FAQs
Should I take iron for tiredness?
Only if iron status suggests it or a clinician recommends it. Fatigue has many causes, and unnecessary iron can be risky.
What is ferritin?
Ferritin is a marker of stored iron. It can help identify low iron before anemia appears, but results should be interpreted in context.