#Iron

Iron is essential for haemoglobin, oxygen transport and brain development. Iron-deficiency anaemia remains the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and one of the most common modifiable causes of fatigue.

Test before supplementing. Iron should never be supplemented based on symptoms alone. A blood test (ferritin + complete blood count) is the only way to identify deficiency and rule out other causes. AAP recommends universal screening for iron deficiency in children at 12 months.

Doses. RDAs vary widely: 8 mg/day for adult men, 18 mg/day for pre-menopausal women, 27 mg/day in pregnancy, 11 mg/day for infants and toddlers. Therapeutic ranges in confirmed deficiency are higher (60-200 mg elemental iron daily) and require clinician oversight.

Safety — paediatric priority. Iron overdose is the leading cause of fatal paediatric supplement poisoning per the AAPCC. Always use child-resistant packaging, store iron out of reach, and never give iron supplements to children without paediatrician guidance. Hereditary haemochromatosis (1 in 200-300 of European descent) and thalassaemia carriers must avoid routine supplementation entirely.

Side effects. Constipation, nausea and dark stools affect 15-40% of users. Taking iron every other day or with food can reduce GI side effects without losing absorption.

On HealthyHerbology we cover iron across paediatric deficiency and safety, women's pre-menopausal and pregnancy needs, and athlete-specific repletion.