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Iron

Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Gluconate, Iron Bisglycinate, Ferritin

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Meta Information

ID:iron-liposomal
Name:Iron
Schema Version:1.5

Title

Iron

Alternate Names

  • Ferrous Sulfate
  • Ferrous Gluconate
  • Iron Bisglycinate
  • Ferritin

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:
5
High Cost:
20
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Widely available and inexpensive over-the-counter oral supplements.

Summary

Historically, the essential mineral iron has been used primarily to treat deficiency-related diseases like anemia due to its vital role in oxygen transport. An emerging healthspan perspective, however, recognizes that excess iron is also harmful, promoting damaging oxidative stress that can harm cells and potentially accelerate aging processes. Therefore, the goal is shifting from simply correcting deficiency to maintaining iron levels within a tightly controlled optimal range, avoiding the dangers of both too little and too much.

Purpose

Essential mineral for oxygen transport and cellular energy metabolism.

Card Summary

An essential mineral for oxygen transport and energy, but excess levels can drive oxidative stress and cellular damage.

Drug Class

iron

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:
5.5
Justification:
Crucial for correcting deficiency, but excess iron is pro-oxidant and detrimental to healthspan.

Evidence

Grade:
B
Score:
7.5
Justification:
Robust clinical data for deficiency; strong observational data linking excess iron to disease.

Safety

Score:
5.8
Justification:
High risk of pro-oxidant damage and organ toxicity with unmonitored, excessive intake.

Flags

  • Supplementation should only be undertaken with confirmed deficiency via blood tests (ferritin, TIBC).
  • Excess iron is a pro-oxidant and may accelerate aging-related damage via the Fenton reaction.
  • Can cause significant gastrointestinal side effects like constipation and nausea.
  • Interacts with antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones) and thyroid medications, reducing their absorption.
  • Individuals with hemochromatosis must strictly avoid iron supplementation.

Verdict

Test, don't guess; supplement only to correct a confirmed deficiency.

Created

2026-04-23T23:39:26.544677Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:
oral
Scope:
  • systemic

Indication

Focus:
  • disease_treatment
  • healthspan
Description:
Treatment and prevention of iron deficiency anemia and related symptoms like fatigue. | Iron is an essential mineral critical for oxygen transport via hemoglobin and energy production within mitochondria. From a healthspan perspective, iron is a double-edged sword; while deficiency impai...

Typical Protocol

  • Avoidance of supplementation unless a deficiency is confirmed via blood work (e.g., ferritin < 30 ng/mL).
  • Periodic low-dose supplementation (e.g., 18-27 mg) guided by regular ferritin blood testing to maintain optimal, not high, levels.
  • For individuals with high-normal or elevated iron, periodic blood donation is a common strategy to reduce iron stores.