What is a common oral iron supplement used for treating iron deficiency?

Ferrous sulfate is a commonly used oral iron supplement that is often prescribed for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. It is favored due to its good absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and high bioavailability, which means the body can efficiently utilize the iron provided.

When treating iron deficiency, it's important to choose a supplement that effectively raises serum ferritin levels and hemoglobin. Ferrous sulfate typically delivers the necessary dosage of elemental iron in an accessible form, making it a popular first-line choice among oral iron supplements.

Other forms of iron such as iron dextran and iron sucrose are generally used for intravenous iron supplementation, particularly in patients who cannot tolerate oral iron or have conditions that interfere with gastrointestinal absorption. Ferrous fumarate is another oral option but is less commonly prescribed compared to ferrous sulfate and may not be as well-known or widely available.