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The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
ADULTS
BY MOUTH:
- For low levels of healthy red blood cells (anemia) due to iron deficiency: 50-100 mg of elemental iron three times daily for 3 months up to 6 months. Doses between 30-120 mg weekly have been used in adult women.
- For low iron levels in women who are pregnant: 20-225 mg of elemental iron daily have been used. The recommended dose is 45 mg daily.
- For a disorder that cause leg discomfort and an irresistible urge to move the legs (restless legs syndrome or RLS): Iron as ferrous sulfate has been taken at doses of 325 mg twice daily for 12 weeks.
- For cough caused by drugs called ACE inhibitors: 256 mg of ferrous sulfate daily has been used.
GIVEN BY IV:
- For low levels of red blood cells in people with a long-term illness (anemia of chronic disease): A total dose of 2232 mg of iron given by injection delivered over 6 months to 1020 mg given by IV over 1 week have been used.
- For heart failure: Iron as ferric carboxymaltose has been given by injection at doses of 200 mg weekly until iron levels are normal, followed by 200 mg by injection every month for 6 months.
CHILDREN
BY MOUTH:
- For low levels of healthy red blood cells (anemia) due to iron deficiency: 4-6 mg/kg of iron per day divided into three doses for 3 months up to 6 months.
- For preventing low iron levels: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends iron supplements for some children at risk of low iron levels.
- For breast-fed infants: 1 mg/kg/day elemental iron from ages 4-6 months.
- For Infants 6-12 months: 11 mg/day of iron from food or supplements.
- For pre-term infants: 2 mg/kg/day of iron for the first year until the baby is switched to formula or getting enough iron from food sources.
- For toddlers aged 1-3 years: 7 mg daily of iron f not getting enough iron from food sources.
- For memory and thinking skills (cognitive function) in adolescents: 650 mg ferrous sulfate twice daily. *
