Micronutrients & recovery
In older women, the use of supplemental iron is associated with a significantly increased risk of total mortality, with risk increasing in a dose-dependent manner.
If you are an older woman, do not take iron supplements unless a blood test confirms you have a deficiency. This study found that taking iron supplements was linked to a higher risk of death, and the risk got worse the more iron you took. Talk to your doctor about getting your iron levels checked before continuing any iron supplements.
In older women, several commonly used dietary vitamin and mineral supplements may be associated with increased total mortality risk; this association is strongest with supplemental iron.
Why this rating
Large longitudinal cohort study with extensive adjustment for confounders, though observational design prevents definitive causal proof.
Source
Dietary Supplements and Mortality Rate in Older Women
Jaakko Mursu · Archives of Internal Medicine · 2011
DOI 10.1001/archinternmed.2011.445
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