The short answer is, no.
Unless you need it, demonstrated by proper lab testing (which most people aren’t doing)
Iron is a somewhat paradoxical trace element. It is essential for almost every form of life, and in humans is necessary to synthesize ATP (energy) and DNA. However, it is also highly reactive, accepts and donates electrons with ease, and can quickly cause significant damage to fats, proteins, cells, or just about anything it comes into contact with.
Because of this, iron is tightly regulated in the body to ensure it is used for the right things, while not damaging the wrong things.
Before answering this question, consider the following:
Some people do need iron and there are forms of iron that seem to be better tolerated, more effective, and with fewer side effects than the standard ferrous sulfate given by many doctors. Chelated forms of iron, such as iron bisglycinate, is one such form.
But the question remains...
Serum ferritin can be unreliable and within the normal range in one-third of patients with anemia.
When trying to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease, transferrin and/or TIBC are far more valuable markers, as they are not impacted by inflammation and will tend to reflect intracellular iron levels better than ferritin. When transferrin is elevated, it is more likely to be due to iron deficiency and someone may benefit from increasing their iron intake. However, when anemia is present by transferrin is normal, or even low, it is because intracellular iron levels are often sufficient, and the anemia is more likely due to chronic disease or infection. An individual with this pattern would likely do better to avoid extra iron.
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