Weighing the Benefits of Improving the Iron Status Against the Risk of Overload—A Narrative Review on Oral Iron Supplementation in Premenopausal Women

Abstract

To this day, women of childbearing age remain the largest group at high risk for iron deficiency worldwide. This global health issue impairs quality of life and, if not adequately managed, can lead to serious health consequences. Menstruating women face high iron requirements that are often challenging to meet through diet alone. Consequently, oral iron supplements offer a convenient, low-cost, widely available, and commonly employed strategy to approach iron deficiency. Iron plays a key role in many essential body functions. However, due to its corrosive nature and cytotoxic properties, strict homeostasis is crucial, and oral interventions warrant careful consideration. This narrative review examines the benefits and potential drawbacks of oral iron supplements as a frontline approach to addressing the most prevalent nutrient deficiency in menstruating females from a nutritionist's perspective.