Recent studies and guidelines are suggesting iron supplements every other day is better for absorption:

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(17)30182-5/fulltext?_ga=2.4503923.1914623440.1560364900-1544426462.1560364899

I think this study has looked a the incorrect variable though. It seems like time, rather than doses, should be studied if the goal is to increase iron.

In my view, the study should have compared the difference between taking iron everyday for 28 days vs every other day for 28 days (not 14 days with 1 does vs 28 days with dose every other day).

Is my line of thinking off? Unless access to the number of pills is an issue, I am failing to see why taking every other day is being advised above taking daily.

Recent studies and guidelines are suggesting iron supplements every other day is better for absorption:

In iron-depleted women, providing iron supplements daily as divided doses increases serum hepcidin and reduces iron absorption. Providing iron supplements on alternate days and in single doses optimises iron absorption and might be a preferable dosing regimen. These findings should be confirmed in iron-deficient anaemic patients.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhae/article/PIIS2352-3026(17)30182-5/fulltext?_ga=2.4503923.1914623440.1560364900-1544426462.1560364899

I think this study has looked a the incorrect variable though. It seems like time, rather than doses, should be studied if the goal is to increase iron.

In my view, the study should have compared the difference between taking iron every day for 28 days vs every other day for 28 days (not 14 days with 1 dose vs. 28 days with dose every other day).

Is my line of thinking off? Unless access to the number of pills is an issue, I am failing to see why taking every other day is being advised above taking daily.