Meta Information
ID:iron-sulfate
Name:Iron Sulfate
Schema Version:1.5
Title
Iron Sulfate
Alternate Names
- Ferrous Sulfate
Intervention Type
therapeutic_agent
Expected Cost Mean
Low Cost:
3
High Cost:
10
Cost Type:
monthly
Description:
Cost for a typical daily dose of standard ferrous sulfate.
Summary
Ferrous sulfate is the most common and inexpensive iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency and anemia. While highly effective at raising iron levels, it is notorious for causing gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation, nausea, and stomach upset.
Purpose
Corrects iron deficiency, standard first-line treatment.
Card Summary
The most common iron supplement; highly effective but prone to causing GI side effects.
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
Justification:
Risk of iron overload if taken without diagnosed deficiency; high rate of gastrointestinal side effects.
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.
- Known to cause significant GI distress (constipation, nausea) in many users compared to chelated forms.
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 sulfate is the most common and inexpensive iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency and anemia. While highly effective at raising iron levels, it is notorious for causing gastrointestinal side effects.
Typical Protocol
- Take 65 mg of elemental iron (325 mg ferrous sulfate) daily or every other day to correct diagnosed iron deficiency.
- Dosage should be guided by regular ferritin, transferrin saturation, and CBC blood tests.