Mineral

Iron

Last reviewed September 28, 20261 sources
In short

Iron is a mineral needed to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Iron needs differ widely by age, sex and life stage, and iron supplements are not appropriate for everyone.

Research in progress. This ingredient page doesn’t yet meet SuppScout’s bar for a complete reference (sourced evidence summary, considerations and sufficient detail), so search engines are asked not to index it. The information shown is sourced where cited.

Quick facts

RDA
8 mg/day men; 18 mg/day women 19–50; 27 mg/day in pregnancy[1]
Upper limit
45 mg/day for adults[1]

Common iron supplement forms

  • Ferrous sulfate
  • Ferrous gluconate
  • Ferrous fumarate
  • Iron bisglycinate
  • Carbonyl iron

Detailed form pages for Iron are being researched.

What researchers have studied it for

Iron-deficiency anemia

Consistent evidence

Iron supplementation is a standard treatment for iron deficiency, typically under medical supervision after testing.[1]

Evidence labels summarize the overall body of published research for each topic; they are not a recommendation and do not mean a supplement is appropriate for you. Published research

Typical amounts in supplements

Labels list elemental iron. Standalone products often provide 18–65 mg elemental iron per serving.

[1]

These describe what supplements commonly contain and published reference values — not a recommendation for you.

Food sources

  • Fortified cereals
  • Oysters and beef
  • Beans, lentils and tofu
  • Spinach

Potential considerations

  • Constipation, nausea and stomach upset are common.
  • Accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in young children — keep out of reach.
  • People with hemochromatosis should not take iron supplements unless directed.

Products containing iron

No products listed yet

SuppScout hasn’t added iron products yet.

Shopping for iron?

Before you buy, check the label for the form and amount per serving, look for a USP, NSF or Informed Choice seal, and compare cost per serving rather than bottle price.

See iron on Amazon

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Sources & references

  1. Iron: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH Office of Dietary Supplements. ods.od.nih.govGovernment

SuppScout links to primary and authoritative sources wherever possible. See our editorial policy for how sources are selected and how corrections are handled.

This page is educational and is not medical advice. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement, especially if you have a medical condition, take medications, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Medical disclaimer.