Ferrous Sulfate

Iron is part of haemoglobin, the molecule that carries oxygen in blood. Ferrous sulfate is the usual inorganic source, and the body absorbs it fairly well. Reduced iron is a fine metal powder used for the same purpose.

Meat supplies iron too, and many foods carry more than the minimum. Iron oxide, also on some labels, is mainly a colouring: the body absorbs little of it. Don’t give iron supplements without advice, as too much is toxic.