Iron (Iron (Fe))

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Other names for iron

Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous Bisglycinate
Heme Iron
Iron Citrate
Iron alpha-ketoglutarate
iron amino acid chelate
Iron ascorbate
iron bisglycinate
Iron Fructo-Oligosaccharides
iron glycinate
Iron oxide
Iron picolinate
Iron pyrite
iron tris-glycinate

Synopsis of iron

Iron is an essential trace mineral required for a wide range of physiological functions, most importantly the production of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscle tissue, both of which are critical for oxygen transport and storage. Iron also plays a vital role in energy metabolism, DNA synthesis, immune function, and enzymatic activity.

The body tightly regulates iron levels, absorbing more when stores are low and less when adequate. Dietary iron comes in two forms:

  • Heme iron, found in animal products like red meat, poultry, and fish—more efficiently absorbed
  • Non-heme iron, found in plant sources like spinach, lentils, tofu, and fortified grains—less bioavailable but enhanced by vitamin C intake

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies globally and can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, cold intolerance, and poor cognitive function. It is especially common in menstruating women, pregnant individuals, infants, vegetarians, and people with malabsorption or chronic blood loss.

Iron is often supplemented in the form of ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous fumarate, or newer chelated forms (like iron bisglycinate) that offer improved absorption and reduced gastrointestinal side effects.

Historical Use
Iron has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used rust (iron oxide) mixed with wine or vinegar to treat anemia and bleeding disorders. In Ayurveda, iron is used in a purified and processed form called Lauh Bhasma, prescribed for weakness, anemia, and menstrual disorders. Similarly, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilized iron-rich herbs and mineral preparations to tonify the blood and strengthen Qi.

The understanding of iron's role in red blood cell formation emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the development of iron tonics and the widespread use of iron supplementation during pregnancy and for anemic conditions.

Today, iron remains a cornerstone nutrient in clinical and preventive medicine, with targeted use in anemia management, prenatal care, adolescent growth, recovery from blood loss, and sports nutrition. It is also monitored carefully to avoid iron overload (e.g., in hereditary hemochromatosis), as excessive iron can lead to oxidative stress and tissue damage.

Balanced iron intake is crucial for maintaining oxygen transport, energy production, and immune resilience—making it one of the most indispensable elements for human health.

Iron is used for these health conditions

Anemia (Scientific)
Appetite (deficient) (Scientific)
Attention Deficit Disorder (Scientific)
Body Building (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Scientific)
Cold Hands and Feet (Scientific)
Convalescence (Scientific)
Fatigue (Scientific)
Fibroids (uterine) (Scientific)
Fingernails (weak or brittle) (Scientific)
Goiter (Scientific)
Hair (loss or thinning) (Scientific)
Heart (weakness) (Scientific)
Infertility (Scientific)
Labor and Delivery (Scientific)
Menorrhagia (Scientific)
Menstruation (scant) (Scientific)
Nursing (Scientific)
Oxygen Deficiency (Scientific)
Post Partum Weakness (Scientific)
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for) (Scientific)
Restless Leg Syndrome (Scientific)
Sleep (restless and disturbed) (Scientific)
Surgery (healing from) (Scientific)

iron is used to support these body systems

Blood (Scientific)
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Glandular System (Scientific)
Hair (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Muscles (Scientific)
Nails (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Reproductive System (Scientific)
Spleen (Traditional)