1. CAN I GET TOO MUCH IRON FROM THE LUCKY IRON FISH?

The Lucky Iron Fish releases low levels of iron. We recommend that you talk to your healthcare provider before altering your iron intake through supplementation and/or fortification, and always follow the product usage. The Lucky Iron Fish would have to be intentionally misused to excess (e.g., boiling for a very long time with multiple Lucky Iron Fish in the water) which would make the water smell and taste unpleasant. 

2. IS THE LUCKY IRON FISH SAFE FOR EVERYONE TO USE?

The Lucky Iron Fish releases low levels of iron and is safe to use for most individuals. We do not recommend using the Lucky Iron Fish if you have a hemoglobin variant such as Hemochromatosis, which is a genetic disorder that makes it difficult for the body to deal with iron. If you are not certain or have any concerns, make sure that you consult your doctor. Infants 6 months of age and younger should not be given water or food cooked with the Lucky Iron Fish, however it can be safely used by nursing mothers.

The Lucky Iron Fish is safe for the whole family, including babies over 6 months who have started complementary feeding (per WHO guidelines). Iron should not be given to babies under 6 months, and who have not started complementary feeding, unless recommended by their doctor. We have not tested the use of the Lucky Iron Fish on infants under 12 months of age. The LIF was clinically tested and has shown improvement in iron levels for babies over teh age of 12 months. According to the Canadian Paediatric Society guidelines, most infants do not require additional iron in the first year of their life. However, if your baby's physician decides that the baby needs more iron then we suggest that you follow their advice about the best way to treat your infant.

3. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE THE LUCKY IRON FISH?

Iron is absorbed by the body slowly and in small quantities. You should use the Lucky Iron Fish daily (at a minimum of 3 times per week) over an extended period of time (3-12 months).

4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET RESULTS?

It varies by individual. In our clinical trials, women reported that they were feeling better within 3 months of use, and we saw positive changes in iron levels in the blood after 6 months.

5. IS THE FISH THE ONLY SHAPE?

Understanding that some cultures would prefer not to put a fish-shaped ingot in their cooking pot, we designed the Lucky Shaki Leaf. The shape of the Leaf is based on the tulsi leaf which is known to have health-giving powers to encourage use by people living in India. The Leaf is also available for bulk purchasing.

6. WILL IT MAKE MY FOOD OR WATER TASTE LIKE IRON?

The majority of users report no iron taste or discolouration of their water or food. Usually when there is a strong taste or discolouration with a Lucky Iron Fish it is because of a couple of possibilities:

• Not washing the Lucky Iron Fish with soap and water prior to boiling

• Using too much acidity when boiling - 1/2 a teaspoon is all you need

• Boiling the Lucky Iron Fish for too long - boil it for only 10 minutes

7. WHY NOT JUST USE A CAST IRON PAN?

Cooking in iron pans releases iron but it is difficult to determine how much is released and whether that iron can be absorbed by the body. Iron cooking pots and skillets tend to rust. Although rust is not harmful, it is ferric iron which is not well absorbed by the body. Many manufacturers of iron pots and skillets recommend that you 'seal' the pan by heating it at high temperatures with oil. 'Sealing' the pan blocks the release of iron during cooking.

Lucky Iron Fish is made from a specific type of iron. Its shape, size, and weight are calculated to release a consistent amount of iron that can be absorbed by the body every time it is used. For optimal results, we recommend that you boil 1 litre of drinking water with the Fish and 2-3 drops of acidity such as lemon juice.

8. WHEN SHOULD I REPLACE MY LUCKY IRON FISH?

As iron is leached off the Lucky Iron Fish into the cooking water, the features on its surface will eventually wear down. We recommend that when the “smile” on your Fish has faded it is time to buy a new one (usually after about 5 years).

9. HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE LUCKY IRON FISH?

We have conducted 17 trails on the Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf. These trials have been conducted by 3rd party researchers including Universities and NGOs. Clinical trials show that the Fish/Leaf is as effective as pills at increasing iron status and decreasing iron deficiency over a 12 month period. Our clinical trials show strong compliance rates, with many trials showing >80% compliance rate.