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Clinical Updates
Iron Supplements
Sublingual Iron
November 10, 2023
Grape Seed Extract and Iron
October 17, 2023
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?
Best Iron
September 08, 2023
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.
Iron Cookware
September 01, 2023
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.
Swallow Iron Carefully
August 25, 2023
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.
How to Take Iron for Best Absorption
July 25, 2023
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.
Best Way to Take Iron
July 05, 2023
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.
Aspirin & Anemia Risk
June 27, 2023
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.
How to Take Iron
April 04, 2023
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.
Bariatric Surgery and Iron
February 22, 2023
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.
Stomach Damage from Iron Pills
October 21, 2022
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.
Colorant & Iron Overload?
July 01, 2022
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.
Unusual Cravings Can Be a Sign of Iron Deficiency
March 18, 2022
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.
Iron Dose Falls
September 20, 2021
Don't Do This If You Need Iron
May 28, 2021
Fibromyalgia Risk With Iron Deficiency Anemia?
May 21, 2021
Does Iron Affect Stroke Risk?
May 21, 2021
Lactoferrin for Iron Absorption?
November 17, 2020
Vitamin C to Boost Iron?
November 03, 2020
Precaution When Taking Iron
July 13, 2020
Be Careful With Iron
November 15, 2019
Drug Interactions With Iron
December 04, 2018
Iron and Stroke
October 28, 2018
Iron Deficiency Cause
October 15, 2018
Tea & Iron Absorption
December 15, 2017
Iron for Restless Legs
August 01, 2017
Best Iron?
June 13, 2017
What Iron Supplements Can and Cannot Do
May 17, 2017
Iron After Blood Donation
February 10, 2015
More Iron, Less PMS?
March 30, 2013
Feeling fatigued? Iron may help
July 14, 2012
Women-Vitamin Study - Key Points
October 11, 2011
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/.
