Fertility testing & foundations · Jun 26, 2025

Before You Reach for That Iron Supplement…

Let’s talk about iron.
It’s a key mineral in your fertility journey but its story is more complex than most people realise.

And no, feeling tired or thinking iron is good for fertility isn’t a reason to pop a supplement.

In fact, supplementing blindly can sometimes do more harm than good.

Testing matters more than you think.

Here’s what I recommend before taking any iron:

Always request a full iron panel – not just ferritin. We need the full picture.
Add CRP and haemoglobin to your test to rule out inflammation.
Test fasted, not during your period, and stop taking supplements 24 hours beforehand.

Why all this effort?

Because some inflammatory conditions can mimic iron deficiency. They block the release of stored iron, making it look like your levels are low – even when they’re not.

High ferritin doesn’t always mean you’re iron-loaded.
It can also point to:

Chronic inflammation
Liver issues
Excess alcohol intake
Ongoing infection

What to avoid (even if it’s commonly prescribed)

High-dose supplements like Ferrograd C and Maltofer might sound like a good fix but they’re often not.

Research shows doses over 40 mg at once can harm the gut microbiome and trigger inflammation. They may not even raise your iron levels if absorption is impaired.

Iron infusions?

They’re tempting, but without understanding the root cause, they can cause oxidative stress with little long-term benefit.

More isn’t always better.

A smarter way to supplement

Choose a lower-dose supplement from a trusted brand.
Take it every second day – this increases absorption by up to 34%.
Avoid taking iron near caffeine, dairy, or zinc. They all reduce absorption.
Pair with vitamin C to enhance uptake.
Take it in the morning or evening – not at lunchtime, when your hepcidin (the hormone that blocks iron absorption) naturally peaks.

Don’t forget to ask why your iron is low in the first place.

Low iron isn’t always about not eating enough red meat.

Look deeper:

Could it be from heavy periods or hormone imbalances like high estrogen?
Have you had a pelvic ultrasound to rule out fibroids or polyps?
Could there be gut absorption issues like coeliac disease?
Is your diet truly giving you what you need?

Iron is important for fertility but understanding the why behind your levels is even more important.

The right testing, the right supplement, and the right support make all the difference.

You deserve more than a quick fix. You deserve clarity.
And that’s what I’m here to help you find.