Why should senior citizens not use iron supplements? i have an elderly neighbor i care for wondering.

Iron therapy: Senior citizens may use iron supplements for replacement of low iron but they need to be cautioned about likely poor absorption especially when not taken on an empty stomach and the possibility of abdominal upset especially when taken on an empty stomach which is the best for absorption,and also constipation that can occur from taking iron supplements and the stool color that mimics clotted blood

Well think of this: I don't think it's so much a LAW they NOT use iron. But personally, I don't see where it does that much good. In many cases very intrusive constipation occurs. The measurable benefits are minimal overall because it's so overused. First, we need a good diagnosis of iron deficiency that we really believe will respond to iron replacement as opposed to some other deficiency that needs fixing first.

Iron is Pro-oxidant: You have heard of anti-oxidants to prevent disease. Iron causes excess oxidation which harms health. With rare exceptions only young children and women who are menstruating benefit from iron supplements. Most people get adequate iron from their diets. Men who donate blood regularly have significantly lower rates of heart disease and cancer and this is thought to be because it reduces iron levels!

Says who?: Iron supplements are appropriate for vegetarians regardless of age and for blood donors. Women who have monthly loss or are pregnant may want to supplement. routine supplementation otherwise may simply mask blood loss from illness and especially meat eaters do not need it. It can upset the gut as well.