Related Compounds
Compounds connected by the same goals, effects, or research topics.
Compound Profile
Iron
Corrects iron deficiency anemia effectively.
Use extra caution — GI upset common; overdose toxic. Details
Last reviewed: •3 sources citedReport a correctionProfile-wide ·A Strong
At a glance
From this profile's structured data- Evidence
- Grade A
- Safety
- GI upset common; overdose toxic.
- Profile context
- hemoglobin, mitochondrial enzymes
Quick stats
- Evidence level
- Strong evidence
- Typical onset
- Varies by prep
- Safety rating
- Use extra caution: Use caution
- Best for
- Hemoglobin, Mitochondrial Enzymes
- Avoid / review if
- Avoid In Hemochromatosis.
Safety
Safety & Cautions
GI upset common; overdose toxic.
High caution
Caution level: High. Multiple caution categories apply, or the record uses avoid/contraindication language.
Evidence Summary
Profile-wide ·A StrongEvidence lens
Most useful for practical interpretation when safety context also fits.
StrongStrong evidence
Human clinical evidence: Present in source signals
Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Mitochondrial Support · Metabolic Regulation · Metabolic
Research maturity: Established research — main contexts: Hemoglobin · Mitochondrial Enzymes
Safety boundary: Safety note available — GI upset common; overdose toxic.
This profile cites 3 human studies.
Evidence Strength
Confidence estimate based on the design quality and consistency of published clinical trials.
Iron has a strong evidence rating.
General wellnessGeneral wellness
Citation density
1.5
Sources
3
Effects
2
Research recency
Mixed recency
Evidence Grade
Grade A: Strong Evidence
Evaluation of methodological rigor, population reach, and evidence alignment.
- Design Match
- Randomized controlled trial
- Risk of Bias
- Low
- Consistency
- Consistent
Strongest recorded design is a randomized controlled trial, drawn from 4 recorded studies, 4 in people. No disagreement is recorded across them.
How evidence grades work
Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.
- Strong
- Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
- Moderate
- Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
- Preliminary / Mixed
- Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
- Traditional / Theoretical
- Traditional use only; no controlled human trials
Clinical Study Summaries (3)1 human evidence source · 1 human trial · ~149 participants across 1 human evidence source with reported N · Consistency not yet classifiable
Filter by study class
Showing 3 of 3 studies.
What the evidence actually shows
This table contains 3 structured sources, including 1 human evidence source; 1 is a human trial. Across 1 human evidence source with a reported sample size, the approximate participant total is 149; overlapping publications may include some of the same people.
| Study | Design | N | Dose | Duration | Population | Outcome | Result & magnitude | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Iron treatment normalizes cognitive functioning in young women PubMed · Am J Clin Nutr · 2007 Background | Randomized controlled trial Randomly assigns participants to interventions or controls, reducing many sources of bias when the trial is conducted well. | n=149 | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Occurrence of oxygen desaturation events during preterm infant bottle feeding near discharge PubMed · Early Hum Dev · 2003 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
PubMed · Ann Intern Med · 2008 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
How Iron Works
Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.
Mechanism Pathway — How Iron Works
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome
Dosing
- Common form
- chelated mineral capsule or powder
- No standardized dose
- Our source data records the usual product form for this ingredient but no studied dose. Preparations differ widely, so follow the standardization on the product you actually have and speak to a clinician before starting.
Mechanisms & biological pathways
Preclinical mechanism details from scientific profiles; these represent plausible pathways but do not guarantee clinical efficacy in humans.
- Mitochondrial Support
- Metabolic Regulation
- Metabolic
- Mitochondrial
Guides that use Iron
Condition guides
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Related Safety Pages
Safety checks and cautions relevant to this decision.
Related Articles
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Compare & Sourcing
Compare side-by-side tradeoffs or verify active marker guidelines.
Related alternatives
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Tradeoffs
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Sourcing options
Iron product picks
Recommendation status
Product recommendations are not shown for this profile because the current site safety and monetization policy does not permit them.
Product form & quality guidelines
When sourcing Iron, verify the label for:
- Standardized Extract: Confirm active content percentages on the supplement facts panel (e.g. standardized to specific marker compounds) rather than simple raw herb weights.
- Third-Party Testing: Look for independent purity labels (USP, NSF, ConsumerLab, or Eurofins) to ensure the product is free from heavy metals, solvents, and contaminants.
- Form Bioavailability: Ensure the form matches evidence-supported configurations (e.g. chelated bisglycinate/glycinate for magnesium, micronized monohydrate for creatine) for optimal onset and digestion tolerance.
Safety first · Harm reduction
This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.
Editorial Review
Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.
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