A 60-year-old woman is diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. What is the most appropriate dosing regimen for oral iron supplementation?

For a patient diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, ferrous sulfate is often the preferred oral iron supplement due to its higher elemental iron content and established efficacy in increasing hemoglobin levels. The dosing regimen of 325 mg two to three times daily is appropriate because it provides a sufficient amount of elemental iron (approximately 65 mg of elemental iron per 325 mg of ferrous sulfate) to effectively address the iron deficiency, especially in a 60-year-old woman who may have higher iron requirements either due to the anemia itself or through physiological factors such as aging.

Iron supplements are typically dosed to maximize absorption while minimizing gastrointestinal side effects. Dividing the dose into two or three times a day allows for better absorption because more frequent dosing can help maintain therapeutic iron levels in the body. Additionally, taking iron supplements with food can sometimes reduce gastrointestinal side effects, though it may also decrease iron absorption. Therefore, instruction on the timing of administration can also be critical for adherence and effectiveness.

Other formulations and dosages may not provide the same level of elemental iron or may require more frequent dosing, making ferrous sulfate at the specified dosage the best option among the choices given for treating iron deficiency anemia effectively.