Reflecting this link between iron bioavailability and bacterial growth, taking oral iron supplements over 200 mg/day causes a relative overabundance of iron that can alter the types of bacteria present within the gut. There have been concerns regarding parenteral iron being administered whilst bacteremia is present, although this has not been borne out in clinical practice. A moderate iron deficiency, in contrast, can protect against acute infection, especially against organisms that reside within hepatocytes and macrophages, such as malaria and tuberculosis. This is mainly beneficial in regions with a high prevalence of these diseases and where standard treatment is unavailable.
reflecting this link between iron bioavailability and bacterial growth taking oral iron supplements over 200 mg/day causes a relative overabundance of iron that can alter the types of bacteria present within the gut there have been concerns regarding parenteral iron being administered whilst bacteremia is present although this has not been borne out in clinical practice a moderate iron deficiency in contrast can protect against acute infection especially against organisms that reside within hepatocytes and macrophages such as malaria and tuberculosis this is mainly beneficial in regions with a high prevalence of these diseases and where standard treatment is unavailable