Tag: Siderosis

Iron deficiency affects millions globally, and while some specially formulated iron oxides are being explored for supplements, the general answer to whether iron oxide is good for health is complex and context-dependent. For industrial workers, inhaling iron oxide dust poses significant risks, while consumers might encounter it as a harmless food additive (E172).

According to a study published in the journal *Retina*, oral iron supplements were associated with a higher risk of retinal hemorrhage in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This finding highlights just one of the many complex ways iron can affect your eyes, with both too little and too much posing distinct risks to vision.

While iron is a vital mineral for human health, the elemental iron in food is fundamentally different from raw iron ore, which is not digestible and can be extremely harmful. The primary danger related to iron ore and the body comes from inhaling fine dust particles in industrial settings.

While the body requires iron for vital functions like oxygen transport and energy production, the type of iron matters significantly. The body does not need raw or industrial iron oxide (commonly known as rust) as a nutrient, and this form is poorly absorbed and can be hazardous.