Effective and important when you are actually deficient, and a bad idea when you are not. Test first, always.
Who this is actually for
Only people with iron deficiency confirmed by a blood test: heavy periods, pregnancy, coeliac disease, some vegetarian diets, blood donors.
What it is legally allowed to claim
Quoted from the EU register of authorised health claims, Regulation (EU) 432/2012. A product may only make these claims if it supplies enough of the nutrient to qualify.
- Iron contributes to normal formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin
- Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
How much is too much
EFSA tolerable upper intake level 40 milligrams per day for adults, set 2024.
Do not take iron on the strength of feeling tired. Iron overload damages the liver and heart, and haemochromatosis is common enough to matter. Iron blocks absorption of levothyroxine and several antibiotics, so separate doses by at least four hours. Constipation and dark stools are expected.