About the best thing we can say about iron is that it won’t kill you. A couple of years ago, researchers from Finland reported on a study that seemed to link iron to heart disease. The y found that men with high levels of an iron-storing protein in their blood apparently had double the heart attack risk of men lower levels. Their small study, which garnered worldwide attention, scared a lot of men who’d been taking iron supplements.
Does iron cause heart disease? The answer, according to further research, appears to be no. But while iron isn’t necessarily bad for you, there’s no compelling evidence that you need a lot of it unless you’re iron-deficient to begin with. The bottom line: If you choose to look into mineral supplements, look for brands labeled “For Men,” or those that contain no iron.
Does iron cause heart disease? The answer, according to further research, appears to be no. But while iron isn’t necessarily bad for you, there’s no compelling evidence that you need a lot of it unless you’re iron-deficient to begin with. The bottom line: If you choose to look into mineral supplements, look for brands labeled “For Men,” or those that contain no iron.
