1. Prevents Anemia:
   • Essential for red blood cell production; deficiency leads to iron-deficiency anemia (Mayo Clinic).
2. Boosts Energy Levels:
   • Improves fatigue and weakness associated with low iron levels (Harvard Medical School).
3. Supports Immune Function:
   • Enhances the body’s ability to fight infections (BNF).
4. Cognitive Health:
   • Prevents cognitive decline and improves concentration (Lange).
5. Pregnancy Support:
   • Prevents maternal anemia and supports fetal development (Lippincott).

1. Heme Iron (Animal Sources):
   • Red meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish.
2. Non-Heme Iron (Plant Sources):
   • Lentils, beans, tofu, spinach, and fortified cereals.
3. Vitamin C-Rich Foods:
   • Enhances non-heme iron absorption (e.g., oranges, strawberries, bell peppers).

iron deficiency can lead to:

• Fatigue and Weakness: Due to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues.
• Pale Skin and Nail Beds: A sign of anemia.
• Shortness of Breath: Especially during physical activity.
• Headaches and Dizziness: From reduced oxygen to the brain.
• Pica: Craving for non-food items like ice or dirt (Mayo Clinic).

Risk Factors:

• Poor diet, heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., celiac disease), and chronic blood loss.

• Normal:
  • Men: 60–170 mcg/dL.
  • Women: 50–150 mcg/dL (Mayo Clinic).
• Deficiency: <30 mcg/dL.

1. Ferrous Sulfate:
   • Most common and cost-effective form.
   • Tablets: 325 mg (65 mg elemental iron).
2. Ferrous Gluconate:
   • Gentler on the stomach.
   • Tablets: 240 mg (27 mg elemental iron).
3. Ferrous Fumarate:
   • High elemental iron content.
   • Tablets: 325 mg (106 mg elemental iron).
4. Iron Polysaccharide Complex:
   • Gentle and non-constipating.
   • Capsules: 150 mg (150 mg elemental iron).

1. Iron-Deficiency Anemia:
   • Corrects low iron levels and restores hemoglobin (BNF).
2. Pregnancy:
   • Prevents maternal anemia and supports fetal growth (Harvard Medical School).
3. Chronic Diseases:
   • Treats anemia associated with chronic kidney disease or cancer (Lange).
4. Surgery or Trauma:

Replenishes iron lost due to bleeding (Lippincott).

Daily Requirements (RDA):

• Men: 8 mg/day.
• Women (19–50 years): 18 mg/day.
• Pregnancy: 27 mg/day.

Deficiency Treatment:

• Adults: 100–200 mg elemental iron/day in divided doses (BNF).

Administration Tips:

• Take on an empty stomach for better absorption (if tolerated).
• Pair with vitamin C (e.g., orange juice) to enhance absorption.
• Avoid taking with calcium, antacids, or tea, as they inhibit absorption.

Iron supplements may cause:

• Mild: Nausea, constipation, stomach cramps.
• Severe (Overdose): Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and toxicity (Lippincott).

• Overload Disorders: Avoid in hemochromatosis or hemosiderosis.
• Pregnancy: Safe in recommended doses; avoid excessive intake (BNF Category: A).
• Children: Keep iron supplements out of reach to prevent accidental overdose.

1. Antacids and Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):
   • Reduce stomach acid, impairing iron absorption (Mayo Clinic).
2. Calcium Supplements:
   • Inhibit iron absorption; separate doses by 2–3 hours (Lange).
3. Tetracyclines and Quinolones:
   • Iron reduces absorption; take 2 hours apart (BNF).
4. Levothyroxine:
   • Iron reduces efficacy; separate doses by 4 hours (Harvard Medical School).

Generic Names in Pharmacy

• Ferrous Sulfate: Most common form.
• Ferrous Gluconate: Gentler on the stomach.
• Ferrous Fumarate: High elemental iron content.
• Iron Polysaccharide Complex: Non-constipating.