Ferrous sulfate supplementation causes significant gastrointestinal side-effects in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Tolkien Z, Stecher L, Mander AP, Pereira DI, Powell JJ
Published in PLoS One, Vol. 10 (2), pp. e0117383
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 randomized trials (6,831 adults) of ferrous sulfate versus placebo (20 trials) or intravenous iron (23 trials), measuring gastrointestinal side effects.
Key Findings
Ferrous sulfate raised the odds of gastrointestinal side effects versus placebo (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.74 to 3.08) and versus IV iron (OR 3.05, 95% CI 2.07 to 4.48). Meta-regression found no link between the odds and the iron dose.
Conclusions
Ferrous sulfate is associated with a significant increase in gastrointestinal-specific side effects but no relationship with dose was found.
Limitations
Moderate-to-high heterogeneity between trials; side effects were defined differently across studies.
Supplements Studied
ferrous sulfate is associated with a significant increase in gastrointestinal-specific side-effects
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.