Iron is an oxidant, and many chronic diseases are oxidative—e.g., atherosclerosis (causing impotence, stroke, memory loss and heart disease, and premature wrinkling of the skin).
The USDA recommends 18 milligrams of iron daily, and most people get plenty from food, so most don’t need a supplement. Women who are menstruating, and vegetarians may need one, but people who get too much iron have a higher risk for Parkinson’s Disease. A high Manganese level intake made the risk even higher, when combined with too much iron.
Vitamins and minerals have medication-like effects—for good and for not. Learn more about Food Facts here.