Prof Geraldine Moses, a clinical pharmacy expert, says many iron supplements bought by patients with kidney failure contain almost no iron. Patients on dialysis need iron because kidney disease reduces red blood cell production, causing iron deficiency and anaemia. However, Moses warns that many products sold online and in supermarkets have 5mg or less iron per dose, too little to treat deficiency effectively. She explained, "You see powders, liquids, tablets and even expensive sachets of so-called iron-infused water that have little more iron than a bowl of cornflakes or a slice of bread." Moses highlighted that some products claim to be “gentle on the stomach” because they contain minimal iron. Prof Jennifer Martin, president of the Royal Australian College of Physicians, supports Moses’ call for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to tighten regulations on iron supplements. Martin said many supplements are classified as food supplements and face minimal proof of effectiveness, unlike prescription medicines. The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood recommends 100–200 mg of elemental iron daily for iron deficiency anaemia. Their website warns that many over-the-counter supplements contain low iron doses, often less than 5mg, and multivitamins should be avoided. Moses criticized the TGA for allowing low-dose products to market themselves as iron supplements that prevent deficiency. The TGA did not address concerns about misleading claims and said it has no plans to enforce minimum iron doses or increase oversight currently. Martin urged better regulation of pharmacies and clearer information for consumers about which products are proven to work. She advised patients to ask doctors for recommended products and not to rely on supplements that may be ineffective. Tips for consumers: - Always consult your doctor to test iron levels and get advice. - Typical iron deficiency treatment needs 150-200 mg of elemental iron daily. - Check product labels for elemental iron content. - Look for an AUST R number indicating rigorous TGA evaluation. - Avoid low-dose multivitamins that won’t treat deficiency effectively. The message is clear: Not all iron supplements are made equal. Patients must be careful and seek medical guidance to avoid wasting time and money on products that offer little benefit.