The Iron Protocol

The Problem Women Face

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency globally—affecting 1 in 3 women. Yet most women are told their iron levels are "normal" when they're far from optimal.

The Gap Between "Normal" and "Optimal"

Your doctor checks your ferritin. The results come back. They tell you it's normal. But you're still exhausted, brain-fogged, and struggling through your workouts.

This guide bridges the gap between what standard reference ranges tell you and what the latest research actually shows. It's time to stop settling for "normal" and start pursuing optimal iron status.

1 in 3

Women globally affected by iron deficiency

25+

Peer-reviewed articles on iron & women's health

10+

Years of clinical research & trials

What's Inside The Iron Protocol

Seven chapters of evidence-based, actionable guidance on everything you need to know about iron deficiency.

Understanding Iron: Beyond Ferritin

Why ferritin alone isn't enough. Learn about serum iron, transferrin saturation, and the full picture of iron metabolism.

Why Standard Reference Ranges Fail Women

The research behind why "normal" isn't optimal. Understanding the science that guides the protocols in this guide.

The IRONWOMAN Trial: What We Found

Key findings from the landmark randomised controlled trial that shaped evidence-based iron supplementation protocols.

Evidence-Based Supplementation Protocols

Detailed protocols for iron supplementation based on your current status. Types, doses, timing, and how to manage side effects.

Dietary Strategies That Actually Work

Food combinations and timing strategies that enhance absorption. A practical framework for optimising iron through diet alone.

When to Push Back on Your GP

How to advocate for yourself with healthcare providers. Red flags, key questions to ask, and when to seek specialist input.

Monitoring & Tracking Your Progress

Which tests matter, how often to retest, and how to track improvement beyond labs. A 12-week framework for seeing results.

Special Considerations for Active Women

Athletes, runners, and active women face unique iron challenges. Sport-specific strategies and when to supplement more aggressively.

Who This Guide Is For

The Iron Protocol is designed for anyone who wants evidence-based, actionable guidance on iron deficiency.

Women with Unexplained Fatigue

Experiencing brain fog, low energy, or fatigue that doesn't match your lab results? This guide explains why.

Active Women & Athletes

Your performance has plateaued. Your training feels harder. Iron might be the missing piece.

Women Told Their Iron Is "Normal"

You feel terrible but your doctor says your levels are fine. Learn why you might still need intervention.

Health Professionals

A comprehensive, evidence-based reference for iron deficiency in women. Practical protocols you can recommend to clients.

Evidence Seekers

You want to understand iron deficiency beyond the basics. This guide distils a decade of clinical research into actionable guidance.

Anyone Prioritising Their Health

Whether you suspect iron deficiency or want to optimise your levels, this guide is written for you.

About the Author

Dr. Cory Dugan is a PhD-qualified women's health researcher with a decade of clinical research experience in iron deficiency and women's health.

He led the IRONWOMAN randomised controlled trial — a double-blind RCT investigating iron supplementation in active women — and co-authored the ANZ consensus statement on iron optimisation in pregnancy. He has published 25+ peer-reviewed articles in journals including BJSM, JAMA Network Open, Anaesthesia, and Vox Sanguinis, and his work has been cited by the World Health Organization and OSHA.

This isn't wellness influencer advice. This is a decade of clinical research, distilled into actionable, evidence-based guidance you can actually use.

Credentials: PhD, Nutrition & Exercise Physiology (UWA) · BSc First Class Honours, Bioenergetics (UWA) · AFHEA · Postdoctoral Research Fellow (LSU Pennington Biomedical)