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Vitamins & Supplements

Iron

Iron is a supplement to take when you need it, not by default. Low iron is genuinely common, especially for women and people who eat little red meat, and it can leave you wiped out. But iron is also easy to overdo, and too much is not good for you, so this is one to base on a blood test or a GP's nod rather than a hunch. Gentle and slow-release formulas are popular because standard iron can upset the stomach.

Common questions

Should I take iron just because I am tired?

Not without checking. Tiredness has many causes, and taking iron you do not need can do harm. A simple blood test tells you whether you are actually low, which is the right basis for supplementing.

Why does iron upset my stomach?

Standard ferrous sulphate is notorious for constipation and nausea. Gentler forms like bisglycinate, or taking it with food or every other day, often help a lot.