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Longevity Atlas
TargetedFoundationsVegan form available

Iron

Only for measured deficiency (ferritin < 30): excess means oxidative stress and liver load. Menstruating women and vegans are most often affected.

5/5Estimated monthly cost: ≈ 4
Dose

Bisglycinate 25–50 mg elemental iron every other day (better absorption, less stomach upset), 8–12 weeks, then re-test.

Timing

On an empty stomach or with vitamin C; 2 hours from coffee, tea, calcium.

Cautions

Haemochromatosis carriers (~10% of Europeans): NEVER without testing. Iron overdose is life-threatening in children.

What it is

The mineral of oxygen transport and mitochondrial enzymes. Deficiency causes fatigue, poor training response, hair loss.

What the evidence shows

In iron-deficient, non-anaemic women, supplementation improved fatigue and performance (Vaucher 2012 RCT). No benefit when replete; high ferritin tracks with mortality.

Goals

Energy, fatigue

Last reviewed: 6 September 2026

This site is educational and does not replace medical advice. Start any supplement or drug only after consulting a doctor or pharmacist.