Pharmacy and medical experts in the UK are issuing a stark warning about a surge in so-called iron supplements that contain minimal amounts of the vital mineral, branding many products as effectively 'useless'.
‘Barely Any Iron’: The Problem on Shelves
The concern was highlighted by Prof Geraldine Moses, a doctor of clinical pharmacy, after discussions with healthcare professionals. She noted that patients, including those with serious conditions like kidney failure, were purchasing over-the-counter supplements that offered little therapeutic benefit. Patients on kidney dialysis often require iron supplements to combat anaemia caused by their illness, but some products contain as little as 5mg of elemental iron per dose.
Prof Moses describes a proliferation of 'ineffective' iron products sold online, in supermarkets, and by various retailers. These are frequently marketed with claims of being 'gentle on the stomach', a feature Prof Moses attributes not to advanced formulation but to the simple fact that 'there's barely any iron' in them. She points out that some sachets, powders, and liquids contain little more iron than a typical bowl of cereal or a slice of bread.
Calls for Tighter Regulation and Transparency
This view is strongly supported by Prof Jennifer Martin, President of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and a clinical pharmacologist. She explains that a significant regulatory loophole exists. Many iron supplements are classified as 'listed medications' or 'food-supplements' by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which demands far less proof of efficacy compared to prescription-only, 'registered' medicines.
Prof Martin advocates for stronger oversight by the TGA regarding how these supplements are marketed and registered. She also calls for greater transparency around who sponsors products seeking TGA approval and better regulation of the advice given in pharmacies. 'We need better ways to ensure people know the differences between treatments backed by evidence and those that aren’t,' she stated.
When approached for comment, a TGA spokesperson did not directly address concerns about potentially misleading products, stating the regulator was 'not planning such activity at this time' regarding minimum dose requirements or enhanced scrutiny of low-dose iron supplements.
What Consumers Need to Know About Iron Intake
For those diagnosed with iron deficiency anaemia, medical guidelines are clear. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood recommends a daily intake of 100–200 mg of elemental iron, often in divided doses. They caution that few over-the-counter preparations contain a therapeutic dose and advise against multivitamins for treatment, as their iron content is frequently 5mg or less and may include ingredients that hinder absorption.
Experts offer the following crucial advice for concerned individuals:
- Always consult a GP for proper testing and personalised advice, as underlying conditions affect needs.
- Check supplement labels for the 'elemental iron' content per dose, not just the compound name like ferrous sulfate.
- If diagnosed, look for products with an AUST R number, indicating full TGA evaluation for safety, quality, and efficacy.
- Ask your doctor for specific product recommendations to ensure you receive an effective treatment.
The consensus among experts is clear: without improved regulation and clearer consumer information, individuals seeking to address a genuine health concern may continue to waste money on ineffective products, potentially prolonging their illness.
