Which is a standard example of oral iron replacement?

Which is a standard example of oral iron replacement?

• A. Ferrous sulfate 325 mg PO daily
• B. Ferrous gluconate IV weekly
• C. Ferrous fumarate 60 mg PO daily
• D. Ferric citrate PO daily

Answer: (A)

Oral iron replacement relies on ferrous (Fe2+) iron salts because they are absorbed more efficiently in the gut than ferric forms. Ferrous sulfate is the classic, widely used oral preparation for iron deficiency due to its reliable elemental iron content, cost, and effectiveness. A typical tablet provides a substantial amount of elemental iron and is taken by mouth daily, which makes it the standard example of oral iron therapy. The other options illustrate non-oral routes or ferric forms: an intravenous iron option isn’t oral, and ferric citrate is mainly used as a phosphate binder in certain kidney disease patients and is not the standard first-line oral iron replacement.

Oral iron replacement relies on ferrous (Fe2+) iron salts because they are absorbed more efficiently in the gut than ferric forms. Ferrous sulfate is the classic, widely used oral preparation for iron deficiency due to its reliable elemental iron content, cost, and effectiveness. A typical tablet provides a substantial amount of elemental iron and is taken by mouth daily, which makes it the standard example of oral iron therapy. The other options illustrate non-oral routes or ferric forms: an intravenous iron option isn’t oral, and ferric citrate is mainly used as a phosphate binder in certain kidney disease patients and is not the standard first-line oral iron replacement.