When doctors finally diagnose low iron, they prescribe ferrous sulfate—the cheap, "standard of care" option.
Within days, women experience:
- Severe constipation
- Stomach cramps and nausea
- Black stools
- "It felt like it was tearing my stomach up"
The Failure Rate: Research shows up to 60% of people experience GI side effects from ferrous sulfate. Up to 50% stop taking it entirely because it's intolerable.
Real Woman Quote: "I forced it down just to function. That's the only way I could keep going but still my ferritin level would hardly rise at all. After taking supplements for 2 months my ferritin level only went from 12 to 14."
The Point: Even when women suffer through the side effects, ferrous sulfate often doesn't work. Why? Because unabsorbed iron sitting in your gut is what causes the problems—and it's not getting into your bloodstream where you need it.