Are we giving too much iron? Low-dose iron therapy is effective in octogenarians

Low-dose iron absorption curve after a single dose of 15 mg of elemental iron to treat IDA (iron-deficiency anemia). Patients with iron-deficiency anemia were compared with patients without anemia. Data are given as mean iron levels ± SD. P <0.001 for effect and differences in slope between the two groups. Normal iron range: 59.2 μg/dL to 159 μg/dL.

Effects of different doses of iron intake on serum ferritin levels. Normal ferritin range: 24 ng/mL to 300 ng/mL.

Increase in hemoglobin levels after 2 months of 15 mg of daily elemental iron therapy as a function of the baseline hemoglobin level. P <0.01 for the relation of baseline hemoglobin level to the 2-month increase in hemoglobin.