Iron Supplementation

WADA Not Prohibited 2026 IV: TUE if >100mL / 12hrs Last reviewed: May 2026

Overview

Medicines

Governance Pathway

References

Iron deficiency is among the most common nutritional deficiencies in elite athletes, with prevalence significantly higher in female athletes and those engaged in endurance sport.⁵ A This entry covers the governance of iron supplementation in athletes where a clinical decision to supplement has already been made. TAF does not provide diagnostic guidance. Laboratory confirmation, clinical assessment, and the final choice of agent remain the responsibility of the treating clinician.

TAF suggests ferrous bisglycinate as first-line oral iron on the basis of superior GI tolerability in the athlete context, where GI side effects carry direct performance consequences. A third-party quality-assured, prohibited-substance tested product is required in all cases.¹ A IV iron is reserved for situations where documented clinical rationale exists. TAF suggestions reflect sport-specific pragmatic formulary preferences and are not guideline-supported standards of care.

TAF Suggested 1st Line Oral

Ferrous bisglycinate — third-party quality-assured, prohibited-substance tested product required

TAF Suggested 1st Line IV

Ferric derisomaltose — single-visit dosing protects training schedule D

Monitoring

Confirm a monitoring plan has been undertaken following initiation of supplementation

Dosing Strategy

Once daily or alternate day. Alternate day is a legitimate primary strategy, not a GI fallback. B³

Alternate Day Dosing: Evidence supports alternate day dosing as comparably effective to daily dosing. The mechanism relates to hepcidin suppression cycling — iron absorption triggers hepcidin release which transiently reduces absorption the following day. Alternate day dosing avoids this suppression window. B³

Exercise Timing: Hepcidin rises 3–6 hours post-exercise, reducing iron absorption.⁴ C Supplementing within 30 minutes of completing morning exercise may optimise absorption by preceding the hepcidin peak.

Modified-Release Iron — Not Included: No modified-release iron preparations are included in this formulary. GI tolerance benefit is likely attributable to reduced absorption rather than improved formulation, as iron is primarily absorbed in the proximal duodenum.² B

Evidence Ratings: A Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs B Individual RCT or strong observational data C Cohort / mechanistic human studies D Case series / preclinical / operational characteristics E In vitro / theoretical

Oral Iron

IV Iron

Comparative Table

Fields 1 and 2 are shown by default. Click any other field label to expand. Click the card header to collapse. SmPC links open the UK Summary of Product Characteristics. TAF is not responsible for the currency of third-party content.

Ferrous Bisglycinate

25mg elemental iron · OTC Supplement

TAF Suggested 1st Line OTC WADA Not Prohibited 2026 ▾

1 — Athlete-Specific Indications

May be considered where:

History of GI intolerance to other iron forms
Return-to-play where GI tolerability is a clinical priority

Tolerability-driven suggestion, not a guideline-level recommendation. Not currently available as an MHRA-licensed medicinal product, so a third-party quality-assured, prohibited-substance tested product is required.

For broad oral iron contraindications, see ferrous sulfate SmPC.

2 — Formulation and Route

Form: Capsule

Route: Oral

Travel: No restrictions

Needle policy: Not applicable

3 — Dose and Timing Around Training

Dose: 25mg elemental iron

Frequency: Once daily or alternate day. Alternate day dosing supported by hepcidin suppression evidence (Moretti et al, 2015).³ B

Exercise timing: Hepcidin rises 3–6 hours post-exercise. Supplementing within 30 minutes of morning exercise may optimise absorption by preceding the hepcidin peak.⁴ C

Food: Iron absorption is optimised on an empty stomach. Taking with food may reduce GI side effects and may be considered where GI tolerability is a concern.⁷ B

Note: Absorption may be reduced by antacids, tea, coffee, and multivitamins taken within 1–2 hours of dosing.⁶ B

Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid enhances non-haem iron absorption mechanistically.⁸ A Clinical outcome evidence does not support routine co-administration with oral iron. The British Society of Gastroenterology does not recommend it.² A

4 — Performance-Impact Risks

Potentially the lowest GI risk among oral iron formulations — least likely to cause GI side effects affecting dietary intake around training. A¹

5 — Recovery-Impact Risks

Due to superior GI tolerability profile, adherence levels are likely to be higher than with other oral iron formulations. GI side effects from oral iron supplementation have been associated with up to 40% non-adherence in the general population. A¹⁰ This inference is extrapolated to the athlete context and has not been directly measured in elite sport populations.

6 — Medicine and Supplement Interactions

Selected interactions relevant to common athlete use patterns. Not exhaustive — see ferrous sulfate SmPC for comparable interaction profile.

Protein shakes and high-fibre meals may reduce absorption. Where possible, separate iron dosing from high-protein or high-fibre intake.

Concurrent non-selective NSAID use may contribute to iron deficiency through NSAID-induced enteropathy.² B COX-2 selective inhibitors carry a significantly lower enteropathy risk.⁹ B

7 — WADA Status and Anti-Doping Risk Mitigation

WADA Not Prohibited 2026

No TUE required for oral use.

A third-party quality-assured, prohibited-substance tested product is required.

✓Thorne Iron BisglycinateNSF Certified for Sport

Active certification confirmed at nsf.org, May 2026. Lot numbers verified. Verify currency before prescribing.

8 — International and Jurisdictional

OTC supplement in the UK. Regulatory status may vary by jurisdiction. Verify local requirements before international travel or competition. Supplement import regulations should be confirmed with the relevant national authority.

9 — Club Cost Consideration

Approximately £0.19 per capsule (Thorne UK, 60 capsule pack).

Verify current pricing at uk.thorne.com.

10 — Allergens, Religious and Lifestyle

Confirmed by Thorne Support, December 2025.

Gluten-free · Dairy-free (Thorne Verified)

Vegetarian: Suitable

Vegan: Not suitable. Leucine derived from keratin from poultry feathers.

Halal: Not certified by Thorne.

Kosher: Not certified by Thorne.

Ferric Maltol

Feraccru · 30mg elemental iron · POM · SmPC ↗

TAF Specialist OptionPOM WADA Not Prohibited 2026▾

1 — Athlete-Specific Indications

May be considered where documented chronic GI sensitivity exists (RED-S, IBS-type, IBD, post-GI illness).

See Feraccru SmPC for full contraindications.

2 — Formulation and Route

Form: Capsule

Route: Oral

Travel: No restrictions

Needle policy: Not applicable

3 — Dose and Timing Around Training

Dose: 30mg elemental iron

Frequency: Twice daily, on an empty stomach, 1 hour before meals.^SmPC

Exercise timing: Hepcidin rises 3–6 hours post-exercise. Supplementing within 30 minutes of morning exercise may optimise absorption by preceding the hepcidin peak.⁴ C

Food: Iron absorption is optimised on an empty stomach. Taking with food may reduce GI side effects and may be considered where GI tolerability is a concern.⁷ B

Note: Absorption may be reduced by antacids, tea, coffee, and multivitamins taken within 1–2 hours of dosing.⁶ B

4 — Performance-Impact Risks

Highest GI tolerability among licensed oral iron preparations. B² Twice-daily dosing schedule may require practical discussion with the athlete around training and meal timing. D

5 — Recovery-Impact Risks

6 — Medicine and Supplement Interactions

Selected interactions relevant to common athlete use patterns. Not exhaustive — see SmPC for full interaction profile.

Protein shakes and high-fibre meals may reduce absorption. Where possible, separate iron dosing from high-protein or high-fibre intake.

Concurrent non-selective NSAID use may contribute to iron deficiency through NSAID-induced enteropathy.² B COX-2 selective inhibitors carry a significantly lower enteropathy risk.⁹ B

7 — WADA Status and Anti-Doping Risk Mitigation

WADA Not Prohibited 2026

No TUE required.

8 — International and Jurisdictional

POM in the UK. Regulatory and licensing status may vary by jurisdiction. Verify local requirements before international travel or competition.

9 — Club Cost Consideration

Approximately £0.85 per capsule.

Verify current pricing at bnf.nice.org.uk.

10 — Allergens, Religious and Lifestyle

Verify current excipient information via Feraccru SmPC.

Lactose monohydrate: Present

Vegetarian: Suitable. Hypromellose capsule.

Vegan: Not suitable. Contains shellac.

Halal: Not certified. Verify independently.

Kosher: Not certified. Verify independently.

Ferrous Gluconate

300mg tablet · 35mg elemental iron · P

TAF Suggested 2nd Line SaltP WADA Not Prohibited 2026▾

1 — Athlete-Specific Indications

Ferrous gluconate shows better GI tolerability than ferrous sulfate among conventional iron salts. B¹⁰ Not licensed as a single-agent product in the UK. Verify product details before dispensing.

For broad oral iron contraindications, see ferrous sulfate SmPC.

2 — Formulation and Route

Form: Tablet

Route: Oral

Travel: No restrictions

Needle policy: Not applicable

3 — Dose and Timing Around Training

Dose: Approximately 35mg elemental iron per tablet

Frequency: 2–3 tablets daily or alternate day. Alternate day dosing supported by hepcidin suppression evidence (Moretti et al, 2015).³ B Multiple-tablet daily schedule may require practical discussion with the athlete around training and meal timing. D

Exercise timing: Hepcidin rises 3–6 hours post-exercise. Supplementing within 30 minutes of morning exercise may optimise absorption by preceding the hepcidin peak.⁴ C

Food: Iron absorption is optimised on an empty stomach. Taking with food may reduce GI side effects and may be considered where GI tolerability is a concern.⁷ B

Note: Absorption may be reduced by antacids, tea, coffee, and multivitamins taken within 1–2 hours of dosing.⁶ B

4 — Performance-Impact Risks

Better GI tolerability than ferrous sulfate among conventional salts. B¹⁰ Multiple daily tablets may affect adherence in high-training-load periods. D

5 — Recovery-Impact Risks

Multiple-dose schedule may require practical discussion with the athlete around training and meal timing. D

6 — Medicine and Supplement Interactions

Selected interactions relevant to common athlete use patterns. Not exhaustive — see ferrous sulfate SmPC for comparable interaction profile.

Protein shakes and high-fibre meals may reduce absorption. Where possible, separate iron dosing from high-protein or high-fibre intake.

Concurrent non-selective NSAID use may contribute to iron deficiency through NSAID-induced enteropathy.² B COX-2 selective inhibitors carry a significantly lower enteropathy risk.⁹ B

7 — WADA Status and Anti-Doping Risk Mitigation

WADA Not Prohibited 2026

No TUE required.

8 — International and Jurisdictional

P / GSL in the UK. Regulatory status may vary by jurisdiction. Verify local requirements before international travel or competition.

9 — Club Cost Consideration

Approximately £0.12 per tablet.

Verify current pricing at bnf.nice.org.uk.

10 — Allergens, Religious and Lifestyle

Excipients vary by manufacturer. Verify per dispensed product.

Vegetarian: Verify per dispensed product.

Vegan: Verify per dispensed product.

Halal: Verify per dispensed product.

Kosher: Verify per dispensed product.

Ferrous Sulfate

200mg and 325mg tablets · 65mg and 105mg elemental iron · P / GSL · SmPC ↗

TAF Suggested 3rd Line SaltP / GSLWADA Not Prohibited 2026▾

1 — Athlete-Specific Indications

Most widely studied conventional iron salt and standard comparator in iron deficiency research. GI side effects reported in up to 30% of users, with potential consequences for treatment adherence in athletes. A¹⁰

P medicines are sold under pharmacist supervision. GSL medicines may be sold without pharmacist involvement — pack size and strength dependent.

See ferrous sulfate SmPC for full contraindications.

2 — Formulation and Route

Form: Tablet (200mg and 325mg)

Route: Oral

Travel: No restrictions

Needle policy: Not applicable

3 — Dose and Timing Around Training

Dose: 65mg elemental iron (200mg tablet) or 105mg elemental iron (325mg tablet).^SmPC

Frequency: Once daily or alternate day. Alternate day dosing supported by hepcidin suppression evidence (Moretti et al, 2015).³ B

Exercise timing: Hepcidin rises 3–6 hours post-exercise. Supplementing within 30 minutes of morning exercise may optimise absorption by preceding the hepcidin peak.⁴ C

Food: Iron absorption is optimised on an empty stomach. Taking with food may reduce GI side effects and may be considered where GI tolerability is a concern.⁷ B

Note: Absorption may be reduced by antacids, tea, coffee, and multivitamins taken within 1–2 hours of dosing.⁶ B

4 — Performance-Impact Risks

GI side effects reported in up to 30% of users may reduce dietary intake around training and contribute to non-adherence. A¹⁰

5 — Recovery-Impact Risks

Most widely studied conventional iron salt. GI side effects may affect adherence in practice. A¹⁰

6 — Medicine and Supplement Interactions

Selected interactions relevant to common athlete use patterns. Not exhaustive — see SmPC for full interaction profile.

Protein shakes and high-fibre meals may reduce absorption. Where possible, separate iron dosing from high-protein or high-fibre intake.

Concurrent non-selective NSAID use may contribute to iron deficiency through NSAID-induced enteropathy.² B COX-2 selective inhibitors carry a significantly lower enteropathy risk.⁹ B

7 — WADA Status and Anti-Doping Risk Mitigation

WADA Not Prohibited 2026

No TUE required.

8 — International and Jurisdictional

P / GSL in the UK. P medicines are sold under pharmacist supervision. GSL medicines may be sold without pharmacist involvement — pack size and strength dependent. Regulatory status may vary by jurisdiction. Verify local requirements before international travel or competition.

9 — Club Cost Consideration

Approximately £0.07 per tablet.

Verify current pricing at bnf.nice.org.uk.

10 — Allergens, Religious and Lifestyle

Excipients vary by manufacturer. Source from pharmacy dispensing packs and verify per product.

Vegetarian: Verify per dispensed product.

Vegan: Verify per dispensed product.

Halal: Verify per dispensed product.

Kosher: Verify per dispensed product.

Ferrous Fumarate

Galfer · 69–100mg elemental iron · P · SmPC ↗

TAF Alternative SaltP WADA Not Prohibited 2026▾

1 — Athlete-Specific Indications

Tolerability evidence does not differentiate fumarate meaningfully from sulfate among conventional iron salts. B¹⁰

See ferrous fumarate SmPC for full contraindications.

2 — Formulation and Route

Form: Tablet

Route: Oral

Travel: No restrictions

Needle policy: Not applicable

3 — Dose and Timing Around Training

Dose: 1 tablet daily.^SmPC

Frequency: Once daily or alternate day. Alternate day dosing supported by hepcidin suppression evidence (Moretti et al, 2015).³ B

Exercise timing: Hepcidin rises 3–6 hours post-exercise. Supplementing within 30 minutes of morning exercise may optimise absorption by preceding the hepcidin peak.⁴ C

Food: Iron absorption is optimised on an empty stomach. Taking with food may reduce GI side effects and may be considered where GI tolerability is a concern.⁷ B

Note: Absorption may be reduced by antacids, tea, coffee, and multivitamins taken within 1–2 hours of dosing.⁶ B

4 — Performance-Impact Risks

Tolerability profile broadly comparable to ferrous sulfate. GI side effects may affect dietary intake around training and treatment adherence. B¹⁰

5 — Recovery-Impact Risks

GI side effects may affect adherence in practice. A¹⁰

6 — Medicine and Supplement Interactions

Selected interactions relevant to common athlete use patterns. Not exhaustive — see SmPC for full interaction profile.

Protein shakes and high-fibre meals may reduce absorption. Where possible, separate iron dosing from high-protein or high-fibre intake.

Concurrent non-selective NSAID use may contribute to iron deficiency through NSAID-induced enteropathy.² B COX-2 selective inhibitors carry a significantly lower enteropathy risk.⁹ B

7 — WADA Status and Anti-Doping Risk Mitigation

WADA Not Prohibited 2026

No TUE required.

8 — International and Jurisdictional

P in the UK. Regulatory status may vary by jurisdiction. Verify local requirements before international travel or competition.

9 — Club Cost Consideration

Approximately £0.12 per tablet.

Verify current pricing at bnf.nice.org.uk.

10 — Allergens, Religious and Lifestyle

Verify current excipient information via ferrous fumarate SmPC.

Vegetarian: Verify per dispensed product.

Vegan: Verify per dispensed product.

Halal: Verify per dispensed product.

Kosher: Verify per dispensed product.

Sodium Feredetate

Sytron · Sodifer · 27.5mg/5ml · P · SmPC ↗

TAF GI-Sensitive OptionP WADA Not Prohibited 2026▾

1 — Athlete-Specific Indications

Oral solution formulation. May be considered where GI sensitivity to tablet formulations exists, including post-GI illness, acute gut sensitivity, adolescent athletes, and those with concurrent dyspepsia, reflux, or early RED-S symptoms. D

See sodium feredetate SmPC for full contraindications.

2 — Formulation and Route

Form: Oral solution

Route: Oral

Travel: Check airline carry-on rules for volumes over 100ml. Carry original packaging with dispensing label.

Needle policy: Not applicable

3 — Dose and Timing Around Training

Dose: 5ml once daily.^SmPC

Frequency: Once daily or alternate day. Alternate day dosing supported by hepcidin suppression evidence (Moretti et al, 2015).³ B

Exercise timing: Hepcidin rises 3–6 hours post-exercise. Supplementing within 30 minutes of morning exercise may optimise absorption by preceding the hepcidin peak.⁴ C

Food: Iron absorption is optimised on an empty stomach. Taking with food may reduce GI side effects and may be considered where GI tolerability is a concern.⁷ B

Note: Absorption may be reduced by antacids, tea, coffee, and multivitamins taken within 1–2 hours of dosing.⁶ B

4 — Performance-Impact Risks

Oral solution formulation may be more practical than tablets where GI sensitivity affects training nutrition. Volume of liquid required is small and unlikely to affect training schedules. D

5 — Recovery-Impact Risks

GI tolerability of oral solution formulation may support adherence where tablet formulations have not been tolerated. D

6 — Medicine and Supplement Interactions

Selected interactions relevant to common athlete use patterns. Not exhaustive — see SmPC for full interaction profile.

Protein shakes and high-fibre meals may reduce absorption. Where possible, separate iron dosing from high-protein or high-fibre intake.

Concurrent non-selective NSAID use may contribute to iron deficiency through NSAID-induced enteropathy.² B COX-2 selective inhibitors carry a significantly lower enteropathy risk.⁹ B

7 — WADA Status and Anti-Doping Risk Mitigation

WADA Not Prohibited 2026

No TUE required.

8 — International and Jurisdictional

P in the UK. Regulatory status may vary by jurisdiction. Verify local requirements before international travel or competition.

9 — Club Cost Consideration

Approximately £0.15 per 5ml dose.

Verify current pricing at bnf.nice.org.uk.

10 — Allergens, Religious and Lifestyle

Verify current excipient information via sodium feredetate SmPC.

Parabens (E218/E216): Present. Caution if paraben-sensitive.

Sorbitol: Present. Caution in fructose intolerance.

Ethanol: Trace amount present.

Vegetarian: Suitable.

Vegan: Verify per dispensed product.

Halal: Trace ethanol present. Verify acceptability independently.

Kosher: Verify independently.

IV iron is reserved for situations where clinical rationale has been established by the treating clinician. TUE governance check required if administration exceeds 100mL in any 12-hour period.

Ferric Derisomaltose

Monofer (UK) · Monoferric (US/CA) · IV Infusion · POM · SmPC ↗

TAF Suggested 1st Line IVPOM TUE if >100mLD▾

1 — Athlete-Specific Indications

TAF suggested first-line IV iron where clinical rationale has been established. Single-visit dosing protects training schedule. D Particularly suitable where time-critical clinical need exists or oral iron has not been tolerated.

See Monofer SmPC for full contraindications.

2 — Formulation and Route

Form: IV infusion

Route: Intravenous

Setting: Hospital or supervised clinical setting

Needle policy: Compliance required

TUE governance check: required if volume exceeds 100mL in any 12-hour period.

7 — WADA Status and Anti-Doping Risk Mitigation

Under 100mL in 12hrs	No TUE Required
Over 100mL in 12hrs	TUE Required

WADA Not Prohibited 2026 subject to volume limits above.

9 — Club Cost Consideration

Highest single-dose cost among iron options.

Best value where oral intolerance is documented or time-critical correction is required.

Ferric Carboxymaltose

Ferinject · IV Infusion · POM · SmPC ↗

TAF Suggested 2nd Line IVPOM TUE if >100mL▾

1 — Athlete-Specific Indications

Second-line IV where ferric derisomaltose is unavailable. Higher hypophosphataemia risk — caution in RED-S, bone stress history, or high-altitude performance blocks.

See Ferinject SmPC for full contraindications.

2 — Formulation and Route

Form: IV infusion

Route: Intravenous

Setting: Hospital or supervised clinical setting

Needle policy: Compliance required

7 — WADA Status and Anti-Doping Risk Mitigation

WADA Not Prohibited 2026

Volume TUE rule applies as for all IV iron.

Iron Sucrose

Venofer · IV Infusion · POM · SmPC ↗

TAF Suggested 3rd Line IVPOM TUE if >100mL▾

1 — Athlete-Specific Indications

Third-line IV. Requires multiple small infusions — each session disrupts training. Consider only where cost or hospital protocols limit access to single-dose products.

See Venofer SmPC for full contraindications.

2 — Formulation and Route

Form: IV infusion

Route: Intravenous

Setting: Hospital or supervised clinical setting

Needle policy: Compliance required

7 — WADA Status and Anti-Doping Risk Mitigation

WADA Not Prohibited 2026

Volume TUE rule applies as for all IV iron.

Ferric Dextran — Not Recommended in Sport. Test dosing requirement and anaphylaxis risk. Hospital-supervised use only. Should not be stocked by clubs or high-performance centres.

Product	Elemental Iron	Dosing	Tolerance	Legal (UK)	Cost/unit
Iron Bisglycinate (Thorne) — NSF Certified for Sport	25mg	Once daily or alt day	High	OTC Supplement*	approx £0.19
Ferric Maltol (Feraccru)	30mg	Twice daily	Very High	POM	approx £0.85
Ferrous Gluconate	35mg	2–3x daily or alt day	Moderate-High	P / GSL	approx £0.12
Ferrous Fumarate (Galfer)	69–100mg	Once daily or alt day	Moderate	P	approx £0.12
Ferrous Sulfate	65mg / 105mg	Once daily or alt day	Moderate-Low	P / GSL	approx £0.07
Sodium Feredetate (Sytron)	27.5mg/5ml	Once daily or alt day	High	P	approx £0.15/5ml

Governance Pathway

This pathway supports medication governance for iron supplementation decisions. It is not a diagnostic tool. Suggestions within this pathway reflect sport-specific formulary preferences and do not constitute clinical guidelines or replace independent clinical judgement.

Governance Check 1 of 3

Have appropriate laboratory tests been undertaken before initiating iron supplementation?

Confirm that appropriate laboratory assessment has taken place prior to initiating supplementation.

Governance Gap Identified

TAF recommends laboratory assessment before initiating supplementation.

Initiating iron supplementation without prior laboratory assessment risks iron overload and masking of underlying pathology. If proceeding empirically, the treating clinician should satisfy themselves that appropriate clinical justification exists.

Governance Check 2 of 3

Has a clinical rationale for urgent correction been established?

Situations that may indicate urgent clinical need include proximity to competition or altitude exposure, significant functional impairment, or prior failed or intolerant oral therapy. Assessment remains with the treating clinician.

Governance Check 3 of 3

Has oral iron tolerance been assessed?

Assessment of prior oral iron tolerance informs agent selection. Relevant considerations include previous GI side effects, failed oral therapy, or underlying GI conditions.

TAF Suggested Agent

IV Iron D

TAF Suggested 1st Line IV — Ferric Derisomaltose

TUE governance: Required if infusion volume exceeds 100mL in any 12-hour period.

Anti-doping status: WADA Not Prohibited 2026.

Monitoring: Confirm a monitoring plan has been undertaken following administration.

Final agent choice: Remains with the treating clinician.

TAF Suggested Agent

Standard Oral Iron

TAF Suggested 1st Line Oral — Ferrous Bisglycinate

Product: Third-party quality-assured, prohibited-substance tested product required. TAF-confirmed: Thorne Iron Bisglycinate — NSF Certified for Sport, active certification confirmed at nsf.org May 2026, lot numbers verified.

Anti-doping status: WADA Not Prohibited 2026.

Monitoring: Confirm a monitoring plan has been undertaken following initiation.

Final agent choice: Remains with the treating clinician.

TAF Suggested Agent

Specialist Oral Iron

Options — Ferric Maltol or Sodium Feredetate

Ferric Maltol (Feraccru): Suitable where documented chronic GI sensitivity exists. POM — prescription required.

Sodium Feredetate (Sytron): Oral solution where tablets cause GI side effects.

Anti-doping status: WADA Not Prohibited 2026.

Final agent choice: Remains with the treating clinician.

References

Listed in order of first appearance in the text. DOI links open the source record. URL links open the source page.

¹Fischer JA, Cherian AM, Bone JN, Karakochuk CD. The effects of oral ferrous bisglycinate supplementation on hemoglobin and ferritin concentrations in adults and children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Rev. 2023;81(8):904-920. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac106

²Snook J, Bhala N, Beales ILP, et al. British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anaemia in adults. Gut. 2021;70(11):2030-2051. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2021-325210

³Moretti D, Goede JS, Zeder C, et al. Oral iron supplements increase hepcidin and decrease iron absorption from daily or twice-daily doses in iron-depleted young women. Blood. 2015;126(17):1981-1989. doi:10.1182/blood-2015-05-642223

⁴Peeling P, McKay A. Iron regulation and absorption in athletes: contemporary thinking and recommendations. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2023;26(6):551-556. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000966

⁵Keller K, Friedrich O, Treiber J, Quermann A, Friedmann-Bette B. Iron deficiency in athletes: prevalence and impact on VO2 peak. Nutrition. 2024;126:112516. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2024.112516

⁶National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Anaemia - iron deficiency: drug interactions. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. 2026. cks.nice.org.uk

⁷National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Anaemia - iron deficiency: adverse effects. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. 2026. cks.nice.org.uk

⁸Heffernan A, Evans C, Holmes M, Moore JB. The regulation of dietary iron bioavailability by vitamin C: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Proc Nutr Soc. 2017;76(OCE4):E182. doi:10.1017/S0029665117003445

⁹Chan FKL, Lanas A, Scheiman J, Berger MF, Nguyen H, Goldstein JL. Celecoxib versus omeprazole and diclofenac in patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (CONDOR): a randomised trial. Lancet. 2010;376(9736):173-179. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60673-3

¹⁰Tolkien Z, Stecher L, Mander AP, Pereira DIA, Powell JJ. Ferrous sulfate supplementation causes significant gastrointestinal side-effects in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(2):e0117383. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0117383

Cite this entry

Ryan C. Iron Supplementation. The Athlete's Formulary [Internet]. 2026 [cited 2026 May 25]. Available from: theathletesformulary.com/ida