Why You Should Ditch Iron Supplements for Energy and Wellness

I want to  simplify complex health concepts and empower you with actionable steps toward whole-body vitality. Today, we’re diving into the first STOP of the Root Cause Protocol (RCP): eliminating iron supplements. You might be wondering, “Wait—aren’t iron supplements supposed to help with fatigue and anemia?” The short answer: no. In fact, they often do more harm than good. Let’s break it down.

The RCP Approach: STOP Before You START

The Root Cause Protocol (RCP), created by Morley Robbins, focuses on addressing mineral imbalances that drive chronic fatigue and inflammation. The RCP begins with four critical STOPs, which remove common health disruptors before replenishing key minerals.

The very first STOP?

Stop taking iron supplements.

Why? Because iron overload, not deficiency, is the real root cause of many health issues—especially chronic fatigue. Let’s explore the science behind this STOP and why removing excess iron is essential for restoring your energy.

Why We’re Told to Take Iron Supplements (and Why It’s Wrong)

For decades, conventional medicine has linked low iron levels in blood tests with iron-deficiency anemia and prescribed iron supplements as the solution. But this approach overlooks a critical point: the difference between iron in the blood and iron in the body’s tissues.

Research shows that while many people may have low serum iron levels, they’re actually dealing with iron overload in their tissues. This condition, known as iron dysregulation, contributes to oxidative stress, inflammation, and fatigue. (Source: NIH)

In simpler terms:

• Your body isn’t short on iron.

• It’s struggling to move iron to the right places.

Instead of helping, iron supplements can worsen this imbalance, causing iron toxicity and blocking energy production at a cellular level.

Iron and Energy: The Mitochondria Connection

Let’s talk mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses in your cells responsible for producing energy (ATP). For your mitochondria to function optimally, they need a delicate balance of minerals, particularly copper and magnesium.

Here’s the problem:

• Iron can’t produce energy on its own.

• Copper is the key mineral that activates iron and allows it to do its job within the mitochondria.

Without enough bioavailable copper (which the RCP helps restore), iron builds up in tissues and becomes toxic, creating oxidative stress and damaging your cells. This toxic iron is like rust inside your body, contributing to inflammation and draining your energy.

Key takeaway:

Iron isn’t the hero of energy production—it’s copper that holds the cape. Copper is Queen!!

What Happens When You Take Iron Supplements?

When you take iron supplements without addressing your copper status, several things happen:

1. Iron Overload in Tissues: Excess iron accumulates in organs like the liver, heart, and brain, where it causes oxidative stress and inflammation.

2. Reduced Bioavailable Copper: Iron supplements deplete copper, further worsening the energy imbalance.

3. Blocked Energy Production: Your mitochondria can’t make energy efficiently, leading to chronic fatigue.

A study published in the journal Free Radical Biology & Medicine highlights the role of excess iron in promoting oxidative stress, contributing to chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. (Source: PubMed)

The Iron Recycling System: Your Body’s Built-In Iron Management

One of the biggest misconceptions about iron is that we need to keep replenishing it through supplements. In reality, your body has a highly efficient iron recycling system.

Here’s how it works:

• Your body recycles about 24 mg of iron daily.

• Only 1-2 mg of iron is lost naturally each day.

• Most of your body’s iron needs are met through recycling old red blood cells—not from dietary intake or supplements.

So, unless you’ve experienced significant blood loss (from childbirth, surgery, or heavy menstruation), it’s highly unlikely that you’re truly iron-deficient.

Symptoms of Iron Overload (That Are Mistaken for Deficiency)

Iron overload can mimic the symptoms of iron deficiency, leading many people to take more iron and unknowingly make their condition worse. Here are common signs of iron overload:

• Fatigue

• Brain fog

• Joint pain

• Digestive issues

• Hormonal imbalances

• Anxiety and depression

• Skin issues (like hyperpigmentation)

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to consider whether iron supplements could be doing more harm than good.

Who Might Benefit from Stopping Iron Supplements?

Stopping iron supplements is particularly beneficial for people who:

1. Feel tired despite taking iron supplements

2. Have been told they have “low iron” or “anemia” based on blood tests

3. Have chronic inflammation or autoimmune conditions

4. Experience symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, or brain fog

5. Are women over 35, especially those in perimenopause or menopause (since women tend to retain more iron after menstruation slows or stops)

What to Do Instead of Taking Iron Supplements

If you’ve been relying on iron supplements to boost your energy, it’s time to shift focus to restoring your mineral balance:

1. Increase Bioavailable Copper:

Copper is found in whole-food sources like beef liver, oysters, and bee pollen. The RCP emphasizes increasing copper intake to help regulate iron and support energy production.

2. Focus on Retinol-Rich Foods:

Retinol (animal-based Vitamin A) helps your body utilize copper more effectively. Think grass-fed butter, egg yolks, and cod liver oil.

3. Address Magnesium Deficiency:

Magnesium plays a key role in energy production and helps reduce oxidative stress caused by excess iron.

The Research Backing This STOP

Still skeptical? Here are some research studies that highlight the dangers of iron supplementation and the importance of mineral balance:

• Iron-induced oxidative stress: Free Radical Biology & Medicine (2010)

• The role of copper in energy metabolism: Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences (2019)

• Iron overload and chronic disease: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2013)

These studies make it clear that iron overload is a major contributor to chronic health issues, and addressing this imbalance is key to restoring vitality.

Take Action: Ditch the Iron and Embrace True Energy

At La Rituelle, I believe in empowering you to take control of your health by addressing the root cause of your symptoms. The first step in the RCP—stopping iron supplements—may seem radical, but the science is clear: too much iron can harm your health.

By focusing on restoring mineral balance, you’ll unlock sustainable energy, better focus, and overall well-being.

Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey?

Join my upcoming Energy Balance Blueprint workshop and discover how to balance your minerals for lasting vitality.

XO, Jenn