Iron Gluconate

Ferrous gluconate contains less elemental iron per pill compared to sulfate. This lower elemental iron concentration generally makes it gentler on the stomach, though it may require taking more pills to correct a severe deficiency.

Verdict

Essential for correcting deficiency; harmful if taken without medical need.

Protocol

• Take 27-35 mg of elemental iron daily or every other day to correct diagnosed iron deficiency.
• Dosage should be guided by regular ferritin, transferrin saturation, and CBC blood tests.

Flags

• Only use if diagnosed with iron deficiency or insufficiency via blood tests.
• Excess iron is a pro-oxidant and can accelerate aging and organ damage.
• May interfere with absorption of zinc, manganese, and certain medications like levothyroxine.
• Better GI tolerance but lower elemental iron yield.