Which Form?
Iron
4.0
Strong
consensus
Based on expert consensus data from publicly available videos, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement.
Available Forms
- Iron bisglycinate (Hyman — gentle on stomach, better absorbed)
- Heme iron (Johnson — higher bioavailability from animal-derived form)
- Liquid iron for targeted dosing (Hyman, for athletes)
- Avoid ferrous sulfate if GI-sensitive
Dosage & Timing
Dosage
- Dose based on lab results
- Iron bisglycinate is Hyman's preferred form for supplementation
- Johnson uses heme iron
- No expert recommends blind supplementation without testing
Timing
- Take with vitamin C to enhance absorption (Johnson pairs heme iron + vitamin C in morning routine)
- Take on an empty stomach for best absorption, or with food if GI distress occurs
- Avoid taking with calcium, coffee, or tea which inhibit absorption
Expert Positions
What Each Expert Says
On the Huberman Lab channel, iron is discussed primarily through guest experts rather than a dedicated episode. Dr. Chris Palmer links iron deficiency to impaired mitochondrial function and mental health symptoms, noting that B12, folate, and iron are critical for mitochondrial health and directly impact psychiatric conditions. In his hair loss episode, Huberman identifies iron levels as a key factor in maintaining hair health alongside insulin sensitivity and hormonal regulation.
Unlock Expert Deep Dives
See exactly which form each expert takes, why they chose it, and their reasoning with video citations.
Cancel anytime