Iron Deficiency Fatigue Support

Category: Energy

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and the leading cause of anaemia. Even non-anaemic iron deficiency (low ferritin without anaemia) produces significant fatigue, poor exercise performance, impaired thermogenesis, and cognitive issues. Supplementation must be guided by blood tests, iron is toxic in excess.

Traditional uses & benefits

• Iron-deficiency fatigue, anaemia, poor exercise tolerance, brain fog from iron deficiency

Ingredients

• Iron (ferrous bisglycinate or ferrous sulfate) (25–100 mg elemental iron)

How to prepare

1. MANDATORY: Get a full iron panel before supplementing (serum ferritin, serum iron, TIBC, haemoglobin). Iron is toxic in excess — never supplement without confirming deficiency. Target ferritin above 30 mcg/L for symptom resolution (some practitioners use 50+ for athletes). 2. Choose ferrous bisglycinate (gentle iron) at 25–50mg elemental iron if available — significantly less constipation than ferrous sulfate. Ferrous sulfate (200mg tablet = 65mg elemental iron) is effective but harder on digestion. 3. Take with 500mg vitamin C (or a glass of orange juice) to enhance absorption by 2–4 fold. The vitamin C converts Fe3+ to the more absorbable Fe2+ form. 4. Avoid taking iron within 4 hours of levothyroxine, fluoroquinolone/tetracycline antibiotics, or calcium supplements — iron binds these and reduces their absorption. 5. If GI upset occurs: take with food. The absorption reduction is worth it to maintain consistent supplementation. 6. Retest ferritin after 8–12 weeks to confirm replenishment. Continue supplementation until ferritin is consistently above 30–50 mcg/L.

Why it works

Iron cofactor for haemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytochrome oxidase, deficiency impairs oxygen transport and mitochondrial ATP production

Time to effect

Full ferritin replenishment and symptom resolution in 8 to 12 weeks

Not right for

Not the right fit if any of these apply to you: haemochromatosis, polycythaemia, thalassaemia, unconfirmed iron status. When in doubt, check with your pharmacist or GP first.

When to take it

both

Common mistakes

• Taking with tea, coffee, or dairy — tannins and calcium dramatically reduce iron absorption
• Using ferrous sulphate if it causes constipation — ferrous bisglycinate is gentler and better absorbed
• Supplementing without confirming iron deficiency via ferritin blood test — excess iron is harmful
• Stopping once you feel better before completing 3–6 months of repletion

Sources

• Non-anaemic iron deficiency in women — treatment with ferrous bisglycinate (2016): RCT demonstrating significant fatigue reduction and ferritin normalisation with ferrous bisglycinate in non-anaemic iron-deficient women.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.