Iron and Warfarin

Iron plays a key role in the body. This mineral is responsible for the enhancement of oxygen throughout the body as well as keeping the immune system healthy. Iron is responsible for supplying the body's energy. Maintaining the recommended daily allowance of iron is important to maintaining good health; the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended daily allowance varies significantly with sex and age.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), individuals who lack adequate iron levels may suffer from many conditions.1

Signs of Inadequate Iron Levels1

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Decreased ability to concentrate
  • Increased susceptibility to infections
  • Hair loss
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Brittle nails
  • Apathy
  • Depression

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends eating a healthy diet that includes good sources of iron. "A healthful diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat free or nonfat milk and milk products, lean meats, fish, dry beans, eggs, nuts, and is low in saturated fat, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars."2 In addition, eating foods with vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, especially when the food containing iron and the vitamin-C rich food are eaten at the same meal.

For a list of foods rich in iron, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have jointly published the Dietary Guidelines every 5 years since 1980 at www.health.gov.

 Iron performs vital functions for a healthy body and historically has not presented problems with patients also taking warfarin. You should consume your normal diet and maintain good communication with your doctor.

  1.  Iron in Diet. National Institutes of Health. August 2011.
  2.   Recommendations to Prevent and Control Iron Deficiency in the United States. MMWR 1998;47 (No. RR-3).