What is iron (oral salts: sulfate, fumarate, gluconate, bisglycinate, polymaltose) used for?
iron (oral salts: sulfate, fumarate, gluconate, bisglycinate, polymaltose) is evaluated for the following indications with varying evidence strength: Iron supplementation in pregnancy (evidence tier A), Iron deficiency anemia (evidence tier A), Iron deficiency without anaemia (evidence tier B). See the full indication matrix with dosing and citations above on this page.
What are the side effects of iron (oral salts: sulfate, fumarate, gluconate, bisglycinate, polymaltose)?
Common side effects of iron (oral salts: sulfate, fumarate, gluconate, bisglycinate, polymaltose) (≥ 1 in 100): Nausea, epigastric discomfort, Constipation or diarrhoea, Dark stools (normal, not indicative of bleeding), Metallic taste. See the Safety section for uncommon and serious reactions.
Is iron (oral salts: sulfate, fumarate, gluconate, bisglycinate, polymaltose) safe during pregnancy?
FDA category A. Routine oral iron in pregnancy is encouraged by WHO. FDA category A at recommended doses. In severe anaemia with oral intolerance, intravenous iron is used after the first trimester.
Is iron (oral salts: sulfate, fumarate, gluconate, bisglycinate, polymaltose) compatible with breastfeeding?
Transfers into breast milk in minimal amounts. Breast milk iron content is independent of maternal intake at physiological doses. Infants over 6 months receive iron separately, regardless of maternal status.
Who should not take iron (oral salts: sulfate, fumarate, gluconate, bisglycinate, polymaltose)?
iron (oral salts: sulfate, fumarate, gluconate, bisglycinate, polymaltose) is contraindicated in: Haemochromatosis and other iron overload states; Haemolytic, aplastic, and sideroblastic anaemia; Iron absorption disorders (haemosiderosis, haemochromatosis); Repeated transfusions without ferritin monitoring; Hypersensitivity to components. Full list in the Safety section.
“all women need iron for energy”
with normal ferritin, iron has no effect on fatigue. Unwarranted use increases oxidative stress. Check ferritin and complete blood count before buying an iron supplement.
“Maltofer is safer than Sorbifer because it's ferric”
safety differences with oral use are minor. Ferrous iron (Sorbifer, Feosol) is more effective at correcting deficiency; ferric forms (Maltofer) irritate the gastrointestinal tract less. The choice is a matter of tolerance.
“pomegranate juice and buckwheat raise haemoglobin”
non-haem iron from plant sources (buckwheat, pomegranate, apples) is absorbed less efficiently than haem iron from animal sources (red meat, liver, shellfish). In established anaemia, dietary correction is adjunctive – iron preparations are the main therapy.