Vitamin App ReferenceSource-linked nutrient and bioactive reference
Menu
HomeSearchVitamins & MineralsFoods & BioactivesGoalsConditionsTagsSafety
Compare
Compare BioactivesPopulation Compare
References
About This ReferenceSource LibraryReview DashboardEvidence LegendEditorial StandardsUpdate PolicyQuality & Purchasing GuidelinesPrivacy & Feedback
For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified medical professional before taking any supplement, herb, vitamin, mineral, or bioactive, especially if you use medications or have a medical condition. Read the full disclaimer.
Back to Tags

Tag

Anemia & Low Ferritin

Anemia and low-ferritin references connect iron status, red blood cell nutrients, absorption context, and symptoms that should be assessed with appropriate testing.

anemiaanaemialow ferritinlow ironiron deficiencyferritinhemoglobinheavy periodsblood loss
Anemia and low ferritin need cause-based evaluation. Do not self-treat with iron without appropriate testing and clinician guidance, especially for children, pregnancy, gastrointestinal bleeding, heavy periods, chronic disease, or possible iron overload.

When To Seek Medical Care

  • Seek medical care for shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, black or bloody stool, heavy bleeding, pregnancy, rapid heartbeat, severe weakness, or pale/blue lips.
  • Do not start iron supplements for low energy alone without appropriate iron studies and cause-based evaluation.
  • Keep iron products away from children; accidental iron overdose can be dangerous.
Linked Items
5
May Support
1
Deficiency Signs
3
Cautions
1

Quick Compare

ItemTypeRelationshipEvidence
IronnutrientDeficiency Sign
NIH ODS consumer and professional fact sheets plus CDC prevalence context; iron overdose can be dangerous, especially for children.
Official Reference
Vitamin B12nutrientDeficiency Sign
Official NIH ODS nutrient-role and deficiency framing.
Official Reference
FolatenutrientDeficiency Sign
Official NIH ODS nutrient-role and deficiency framing.
Official Reference
Vitamin CnutrientMay Support
Official NIH ODS vitamin C and iron source framing.
Official Reference
CalciumnutrientCaution / Limited Evidence
Official NIH ODS calcium and iron source context; individualized iron treatment should follow clinician guidance.
Official Reference

Foods First

Iron

Red meat and shellfish, Legumes, Fortified cereals, Leafy greens.

Vitamin B12

Meat and fish, Eggs and dairy foods, Fortified plant foods.

Folate

Leafy green vegetables, Legumes, Fortified grain products.

Vitamin C

Citrus fruit, Bell peppers, Berries, Broccoli.

Calcium

Milk and yogurt, Calcium-fortified beverages, Tofu made with calcium sulfate, Canned fish with bones.

Medication & Safety Cautions

Iron

Iron deficiency can progress to iron deficiency anemia, with symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, low energy, concentration problems, and shortness of breath. | Iron overdose can be dangerous, especially for children. High-dose use should be guided by a clinician.

Folate

Folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia and is especially important in pregnancy-related nutrition contexts. | The UL applies to folic acid from supplements and fortified foods, not naturally occurring food folate.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C can support non-heme iron absorption when eaten with plant iron sources, while vitamin C deficiency can also contribute to fatigue and poor wound healing. | Very high intakes can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and may be unsuitable for some people prone to kidney stones.

Calcium

Calcium supplements and high-calcium meals can interfere with iron absorption in some contexts, so timing may matter when iron repletion is being managed. | Excess supplemental calcium can contribute to adverse effects; stay within the applicable UL.

Source mix: Official Reference, Academic Review.

Key Studies & Fixed References

These are the dated references used for this tag. Live research searches can change; these links explain the fixed wording shown on this page.

Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements | Acquired 2026-08-03 | Official Reference

Iron deficiency symptoms, Iron deficiency anemia, Iron overdose warning.

Anemia or Iron Deficiency

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Acquired 2026-08-03 | Academic Review

Anemia prevalence, Iron deficiency prevalence, Public health context.

May Support

Deficiency Sign

Iron

nutrientOfficial Reference

Iron deficiency can progress to iron deficiency anemia, with symptoms such as tiredness, weakness, low energy, concentration problems, and shortness of breath.

Evidence note: NIH ODS consumer and professional fact sheets plus CDC prevalence context; iron overdose can be dangerous, especially for children.

Sources: Iron Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (2026-07-23)Official Reference, Iron Fact Sheet for Consumers (2026-08-03)Official Reference, Anemia or Iron Deficiency (2026-08-03)Academic Review

Caution / Limited Evidence