If you've been told your iron is low, you've probably been handed a recommendation for iron pills and sent on your way. But here's what most people don't know: oral iron supplements aren't your only option. And depending on your situation, they might not even be the best option.

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. Women are especially at risk during certain seasons of life - heavy periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum and perimenopause all increase demand. Unfortunately, most conventional labs are designed to detect disease, not dysfunction. So you can feel awful while still being told everything looks “normal.”