An important study in the Lancet (1996) demonstrated that adolescent girls given low dose Iron supplementation
improved their cognitive ability, memory and concentration after eight weeks relative to girls given the placebo.
Serum Iron levels rose in the supplemented group (within normal range) and there was no blood level change in
Iron occurrence in the placebo group. There was a direct relationship between how much the blood Iron levels
rated and the ability to learn.10
Dosage Ranges
Iron-Deficiency Anemia: 325 mg ferrous sulfate, three times per day (requires appropriate monitoring).8
Side Effects and Toxicity
Large doses of Iron can cause damage to the intestinal tract lining, vomiting and diarrhea, liver damage, abdominal
and joint pain, weight loss, fatigue, excess thirst and hunger. In children a one time dose of Iron at 3000 mg can cause
death (several deaths a year occur from accidental Iron overdose in children).
With Iron supplementation, constipation is the most common side effect.
Single Iron supplements should not be given in cases of peptic ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease as Iron can
have a corrosive ef ect and exacerbate these conditions, if the dose is too high. Patients with hereditary
hemochromatosis, hepatitis and thalassemia should not take Iron supplements indiscriminately and require medical
supervision of their Iron status.11
Drug-Nutrient Interactions
Iron may also decrease the absorption of carbidopa, levodopa and it binds to warfarin, decreasing the absorption of
this anti-coagulant drug - if present in the gut at the same time.
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Minerals
Iron-supplements should not be taken at the same time as chlorhexidine, used in the treatment of gingivitis as teeth
staining may result.
Women using oral contraceptives may reduce their Iron loss and, therefore, their Iron blood levels should be
monitored.
Deferoxamine is used to remove excess Iron from the body and, therefore, concurrent Iron supplementation will
counter its ef ectiveness.11,12
The following drugs have been shown to reduce Iron absorption or deplete Iron stores in various ways:
1. Bile Acid Sequestrants (colestipol, cholestyramine)13,14
2. H-2 Receptor Antagonists (antacids)15