Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Iron-Deficiency Anemia
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Iron (Menorrhagia) | 100 to 200 mg daily under medical supervision if deficient |  [3 stars] Supplementing with iron decreases excess menstrual blood loss in iron-deficient women who have no other underlying cause for their condition. |
Iron | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [3 stars] Supplementing with iron is essential to treating iron deficiency. |
Iron (Depression) | See a doctor for evaluation | [3 stars] A lack of iron can make depression worse; check with a doctor to find out if you are iron deficient.
|
Liver Extracts | If deficient: several grams per day for up to one year under medical supervision | [3 stars] Bovine liver extracts provide the most absorbable form of iron—heme iron—as well as other nutrients critical in building blood, including vitamin B12 and folic acid. |
Iron (Breast-Feeding Support) | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner |  [2 stars] Iron may be required for infants with low iron stores or anemia. |
Iron (Attention DeficitHyperactivity Disorder) | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] In one study, iron levels were significantly lower in a group of children with ADHD than in healthy children. In the case of iron deficiency, supplementing with the mineral may improve behavior. |
Iron (Celiac Disease) | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] The malabsorption that occurs in celiac disease can lead to multiple nutritional deficiencies. Supplementing with iron may correct a deficiency.
|
Iron (Restless Legs Syndrome) | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] When iron deficiency is the cause of restless leg syndrome, supplementing with iron may reduce the severity of the symptoms. |
Iron (Canker Sores) | Consult with your doctor | [2 stars] Talk to your doctor to see if your recurrent canker sores might be related to iron deficiency. |
Taurine | 1,000 mg daily | [2 stars] Taurine has been shown to improve the response to iron therapy in young women with iron-deficiency anemia. |
Vitamin A and Iron | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Taking vitamin A and iron together has been reported to help overcome iron deficiency more effectively than iron supplements alone. |
Vitamin C and Iron | Take 100 to 500 mg of vitamin C with iron supplements with a doctor's supervision | [2 stars] Taking vitamin C with iron supplements has been shown to improve iron absorption.
|
Betaine Hydrochloride and Iron | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Hydrochloric acid produced by the stomach improves the absorption of non-heme iron. Some practitioners recommend betaine hydrochloride to enhance iron absorption. |
Iron (Dermatitis Herpetiformis) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Talk to your doctor to see if supplementing with iron can counteract the nutrient deficiency that often occurs as a result of malabsorption.
|
Iron (Female Infertility) | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Even subtle iron deficiencies have been tentatively linked to infertility. Women who are infertile should consult a doctor to rule out the possibility of iron deficiency |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.