Iron

Also known as: ferrous sulfate, ferric iron, liposomal iron, Fe, elemental iron

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Essential mineral. Treats iron deficiency anemia, but supplementation carries real risks if not needed.

What it does

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Clinical trials in the provided studies confirm that iron supplementation...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

No established dose from provided studies
Found in

310 Chocolate Icing Shake, Baby & Me 2 by MegaFood, SlimFast High Protein Shakes and 17 more

What the Science Says

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to make hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Clinical trials in the provided studies confirm that iron supplementation effectively raises hemoglobin levels and reduces anemia risk in deficient children and women. Liposomal iron formulations appear to produce greater hemoglobin increases at 6 months compared to conventional iron in children, with potentially better tolerability.

What It Doesn't Do

Won't boost energy or performance if you're not actually iron deficient. Not a general wellness supplement. Taking iron when you don't need it can harm your gut microbiome and may impair children's growth if diet quality is poor. Not a substitute for a balanced diet.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Raises hemoglobin and reduces anemia risk in iron-deficient children.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: No established dose from provided studies

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42132028 PMID 42183880

Liposomal iron produces greater hemoglobin gains than conventional iron in children at 6 months.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: No established dose from provided studies

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42183880

Supplement use significantly improves the likelihood of meeting iron intake recommendations in at-risk groups like female athletes.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: No established dose from provided studies

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 42175943

Absorption & Bioavailability

Moderate — varies significantly by formulation. Liposomal iron shows improved absorption and tolerability over conventional oral iron in pediatric studies. Aqueous iron may have absorption issues and gut side effects.

Red Flags to Watch For

Iron supplementation without confirmed deficiency can cause gut microbiome disruption and may impair linear growth in children on poor diets
Conventional oral iron frequently causes gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, constipation) that reduce adherence
Iron toxicity is a leading cause of accidental poisoning in young children — keep supplements out of reach
High iron levels in the body (excess iron deposition in the brain) have been linked to neurological concerns in some research

Supplement

Mostly Legit

View all product reviews →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Iron do?

Essential mineral. Treats iron deficiency anemia, but supplementation carries real risks if not needed.

What is the effective dose of Iron?

No established dose from provided studies

Is Iron safe?

Iron supplementation without confirmed deficiency can cause gut microbiome disruption and may impair linear growth in children on poor diets

What doesn't Iron do?

Won't boost energy or performance if you're not actually iron deficient.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25