Elemental Iron
Elemental iron refers to the actual amount of active iron available for absorption by the body from an iron supplement salt or complex. It is a vital mineral required for the synthesis of hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells) and myoglobin, as well as for supporting cellular energy production and immune function.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be individualized based on the severity of iron deficiency and whether it is for prevention or treatment. For optimal absorption, take on an empty stomach with water or a drink high in Vitamin C (like orange juice). Avoid taking within 2 hours of dairy products, calcium supplements, antacids, tea, or coffee. May cause dark stools, mild nausea, or constipation.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not routine / 1 to 2 mg/kg of elemental iron per day
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Typically prescribed for preterm infants. Must be initiated and monitored strictly under pediatric supervision.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 5 to 14 mg of elemental iron per day
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Dosage depends on prevention (1-2 mg/kg/day) vs. treatment of deficiency (3-6 mg/kg/day). Liquid drops are recommended.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 8 to 20 mg of elemental iron per day
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Can mix liquid iron with a small amount of fruit juice to mask the metallic taste and improve absorption.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 11 to 30 mg of elemental iron per day
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Rinse mouth or brush teeth after administering liquid iron to prevent temporary dark staining of the teeth.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 16 to 40 mg of elemental iron per day
- Frequency
- Once daily or divided into two doses
- Tracking Notes
- Chewable tablets may be used if the child can reliably chew and swallow them safely.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not routine / 1 to 2 mg/kg of elemental iron per day | Once daily | Typically prescribed for preterm infants. Must be initiated and monitored strictly under pediatric supervision. |
| 5-7 kg | 5 to 14 mg of elemental iron per day | Once daily | Dosage depends on prevention (1-2 mg/kg/day) vs. treatment of deficiency (3-6 mg/kg/day). Liquid drops are recommended. |
| 8-10 kg | 8 to 20 mg of elemental iron per day | Once daily or divided into two doses | Can mix liquid iron with a small amount of fruit juice to mask the metallic taste and improve absorption. |
| 11-15 kg | 11 to 30 mg of elemental iron per day | Once daily or divided into two doses | Rinse mouth or brush teeth after administering liquid iron to prevent temporary dark staining of the teeth. |
| 16-20 kg | 16 to 40 mg of elemental iron per day | Once daily or divided into two doses | Chewable tablets may be used if the child can reliably chew and swallow them safely. |
Formulation
Purpose
Prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia, supporting red blood cell production, and optimizing oxygen transport in the body.
Generic Name
Elemental IronBranded Drug Names
Elemental Iron is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.