What is Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral. Iron is an important part of proteins that transport oxygen are involved with metabolism. There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and non-heme. Sources of heme iron include meat, fish and poultry. Sources of non-heme iron, which is not absorbed as well as heme iron, include beans, lentils, flours, cereals and grain products. Other sources of iron include dried fruit, peas, asparagus, leafy greens, strawberries and nuts.
Side Effects
Abdominal pain, joint pain, arthritis, black teeth, cardiovascular or metabolic toxicity, constipation, dark stool, death, diarrhea, fatigue, gonadal failure (early menopause, impotence, loss of libido), excessive iron accumulation, uncontrollable sweating, nausea weakness, shortness of breath, weight loss, vomiting.
Reactions / Interactions
Acetohydroxamic acid (AHA), allopurinol (Zyloprim®), aminosalicylic acid, antacids, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates, chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin®), cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), desferrioxamine (DFO), dimercaprol, EPO-R, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, H2-blockers, levodopa (Sinemet®), levothyroxine (Levoxyl®, Synthroid®), methyldopa (Aldomet®), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®), pancreatic enzymes, pancrelipase, pancreatin, penicilla...
What is Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral. Iron is an important part of proteins that transport oxygen are involved with metabolism. There are two forms of dietary iron: heme and non-heme. Sources of heme iron include meat, fish and poultry. Sources of non-heme iron, which is not absorbed as well as heme iron, include beans, lentils, flours, cereals and grain products. Other sources of iron include dried fruit, peas, asparagus, leafy greens, strawberries and nuts.
Side Effects
Abdominal pain, joint pain, arthritis, black teeth, cardiovascular or metabolic toxicity, constipation, dark stool, death, diarrhea, fatigue, gonadal failure (early menopause, impotence, loss of libido), excessive iron accumulation, uncontrollable sweating, nausea weakness, shortness of breath, weight loss, vomiting.
Reactions / Interactions
Acetohydroxamic acid (AHA), allopurinol (Zyloprim®), aminosalicylic acid, antacids, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), bisphosphonates, chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin®), cholestyramine (Questran®), colestipol (Colestid®), desferrioxamine (DFO), dimercaprol, EPO-R, fluoroquinolone antibiotics, H2-blockers, levodopa (Sinemet®), levothyroxine (Levoxyl®, Synthroid®), methyldopa (Aldomet®), mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept®), pancreatic enzymes, pancrelipase, pancreatin, penicillamine (Cuprimine® or Depen®), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), tetracycline antibiotics, acacia, calcium, copper, organic acids, phytic acid (phytate), polyphenols, riboflavin (vitamin B2), selenium, soy, vitamin A (beta carotene), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E, zinc, coffee, tea, dairy products, juice, meat, fish, poultry and other herbs or supplements with similar effects.
Safety
Iron is a trace mineral, and hypersensitivity is unlikely. Avoid if known allergy/hypersensitivity to products containing iron. Avoid excessive intake. Avoid iron supplements with blood disorders that require frequent blood transfusions. Use iron supplement cautiously with history of kidney disease, intestinal disease, peptic ulcer disease, enteritis, colitis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, alcoholism, those who plan to become pregnant, or are over age 55 and have a family history of heart disease. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before beginning iron supplementation.
Dosage
Adults (18 years and older)
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): Males (19-50 years): 8mg/day; Females (19-50 years) 18mg/day; Adults (51 years and older) 8mg/day; pregnant women (all ages) 27mg/day; breastfeeding women (19 years and older) 9 mg/day.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) (highest dose that can be taken safely): Adults (19 years and older) 45mg/day.
Children (18 years and younger)
Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA): Infants 0-6 months 0.27 AI (adequate intake level (AI) used when RDA cannot be determined); 11mg for 7-12 months; 7mg for 1-3 years; 10mg for 4-8 years; 8mg for 9-13 years (male and female); 11mg for males 14-18 years; 15mg for females 14-18 years; 27mg for pregnant females 14-18 years; 10mg for breastfeeding females 14-18 years.
Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) (highest dose that can be taken safely): Infants (1-12 months) not possible to establish; children (1-13 years) 40mg/day; adolescents (14-18 years) 45mg/day.
Evidence
Condition: Iron deficiency (anemia) Grade: A
Condition: Anemia of chronic disease Grade: A
Condition: ACE inhibitor-associated cough Grade: B
Condition: Preventing iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy Grade: B
Condition: Preventing iron deficiency in menstruating women Grade: B
Condition: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Grade: C
Condition: Fatigue in women with low ferritin levels Grade: C
Condition: Improving cognitive performance related to iron deficiency Grade: C
Condition: Lead toxicity Grade: C
Condition: Preventing anemia associated with preterm/low birth weight infants Grade: C
Condition: Preventing iron deficiency anemia due to gastrointestinal bleeding Grade:
Condition: Preventing iron deficiency after blood donation Grade: C
Condition: Preventing iron deficiency in exercising women Grade: C
Condition: Treatment of predialysis anemia Grade: C
Condition: Therapy for anemia after orthopedic surgery Grade: D
Disclaimer: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
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While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy. The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.