Supplement monograph

Iron

A deficiency-focused mineral where absorption windows and lab context matter more than routine daily supplementation.

Practical read

Use a clean iron slot away from calcium-heavy meals, coffee, tea, and mineral multis unless a clinician gives different instructions.

Decision frame

Iron: what to check before it earns a slot

Timing rule

Use a clean iron slot away from calcium-heavy meals, coffee, tea, and mineral multis unless a clinician gives different instructions.

Form lens

Ferrous sulfate: common low-cost optionFerrous bisglycinate: tolerance-focused optionHeme iron: different absorption profile

Safety lens

Do not supplement casually without lab contextGI side effects can break adherenceCalcium can reduce non-heme iron absorption

Best fit

  • Lab-confirmed low iron status
  • Calcium separation
  • Coffee and tea timing checks

Form notes

  • Ferrous sulfate: common low-cost option
  • Ferrous bisglycinate: tolerance-focused option
  • Heme iron: different absorption profile

Watchouts

  • Do not supplement casually without lab context
  • GI side effects can break adherence
  • Calcium can reduce non-heme iron absorption

Sources and next checks

NIH ODS iron fact sheetHallberg et al. calcium and iron absorption
Calcium and iron timingMineral timing referenceStack timing planner

Evidence Brief

Get supplement timing and safety notes as they ship.

Monthly evidence briefs. No hype, no disease claims, no influencer supplement stacks.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Generated by AI. Always verify with a healthcare professional. Educational information only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.