Meta Information

ID:iron-gluconate

Name:Iron Gluconate

Schema Version:1.5

Title

Iron Gluconate

Alternate Names

• Ferrous Gluconate

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

15

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Cost for a typical daily dose of ferrous gluconate.

Summary

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.

Purpose

Corrects iron deficiency with a lower elemental iron concentration, often better tolerated.

Card Summary

A gentler iron supplement with lower elemental iron content, often better tolerated by the stomach.

Drug Class

iron

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Crucial for correcting deficiency, but offers no benefit and potential harm if iron-replete.

Evidence

Grade:

A

Score:

9

Justification:

Extensive human RCTs confirm efficacy for correcting iron deficiency and anemia.

Safety

Score:

4.5

Justification:

Risk of iron overload if taken without diagnosed deficiency; better GI tolerance than sulfate.

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.

Verdict

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

Created

2026-05-10T18:35:00.000000Z

Model

System

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

Ferrous gluconate contains less elemental iron per pill compared to sulfate. This lower elemental iron concentration generally makes it gentler on the stomach.

Typical 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.