Frequently Asked Questions

Both the Fish and the Leaf are cooking tools that naturally boosts the iron content of any liquid it is boiled with.  

Their unique size, shape and surface area of the Fish/Leaf are scientifically designed to release a safe & consistent amount of iron every time it is used as directed.

Our clinical research shows that using the Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf 3 times a week for 3-12 months increases levels of circulating as well as stored iron.

The Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf is made from food-grade electrolytic iron powder that is FDA certified and is approved for food fortification worldwide. 

Iron particles released during boiling are the perfect size to be absorbed by the body safely and easily - without causing any side effects.

Every batch is tested to ensure it releases iron at a level that will not cause toxicity. We also make sure that the iron has no contaminants that might be harmful to human health.

The Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf is made in one of the largest manufacturers globally for high purity iron. The facility is located in India and is certified ISO 9001, 14001, 22000 & OHSAS 18001. It also meets Food Chemical Codex (FCC), Kosher and Halal standards.

For the Fish/Leaf to be effective, the liquid must be at a boiling temperature and at a specific pH level (this is why we need to add a few drops of acidity like lemon juice).

When added to the slightly acidified boiling liquid, the Fish/Leaf will release microscopic iron particles off its surface and into the liquid!

Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf is clinically proven to release safe levels of iron. When used as directed, it releases 6-8 mg of absorbable iron per 1L (4 cups) of liquid (such as soup, curry, or water with 2-3 drops of citrus).

Since most people need up to 18mg of daily iron (depending on age/ lifestyle/ etc.), the Fish/Leaf can provide more than 50% of the daily requirement.

Using the Fish/Leaf regularly is a great addition to your daily diet to ensure adequate iron intake.

Clinical trials conducted by independent researchers globally have found that regular use of the Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf can improve the users iron status (looking at Hemoglobin or Serum Ferritin) after 3-6months of regular use (min 3x per week) and and reduce anemia after 12 months. 

If used daily, the product is designed to last ~5 years, that is over 1,800 uses! 

As iron is released from the Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf, the features on its surface will wear down. After 5 years if will become more brittle and will release less iron. At this point, the "smile" on the Fish and the "stems" on the Leaf will fade. That's when it is time to recycle and replace it. 

When used as directed, the Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf does not change the taste, colour or smell of the food or water it is boiled in.

If there is a strong taste it is generally because:

⦿ Not washing with soap and water before and after use.
⦿ Excessive acidity was added. Keep it to no more than 2 drops per 1L of liquid.
⦿ Boiling for too long. 

Yes, acidity is required because it adjusts the liquid's pH to optimum levels for the iron particles to release.

Adding too much acidity with the Fish/Leaf can negatively impact the taste. So if your recipe calls for more vinegar, for example, then feel free to add it after you remove the Fish/Leaf from the boiling liquid.

Sources of acidity:
⦿ fresh or bottled citrus (lemon, lime, orange, etc.)
⦿ vinegar
⦿ tamarind
⦿ tomatoes
⦿ other fruits and vegetables

Broth made with tomatoes or stock cubes do not need extra acidity added. 

Citrus essential oils are not a good source of acidity.

It can be used with a stove top kettle (not electric) as long as it is in a rolling boil for ten minutes.
Please do not leave your Fish/Leaf in the kettle after boiling. 

No, the product should not be used in a pressurized environment.
You may cook with it in a pressure cooker if you are only using the boil or simmer setting.

When making rice and other grains, we recommend using Lucky Iron Water  you've already prepared. This will prevent the starchy grains from sticking to the Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf.

No, but you certainly can prepare Lucky Iron Water and carry that in your bottle. 

⦿ Make "Lucky Iron Water" to drink on its own or to use in any recipes that call for liquid (oatmeal, couscous, rice, etc.).
⦿ Also freeze the iron-fortified water to make ice cubes - add them to your smoothies, juices, etc.
⦿ Put it directly into any liquid-based cooking like soups, stews, curries or sauces.
⦿ Soak dried beans or any pulses in it before boiling them.


Come and check out our recipe page for more inspiration.

⦿ For 1L (4 cups) of water:
Add 4-6 drops of acidity. Boil 1x Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf for 10 minutes

⦿ For 2L (8 cups) of water:
Add 4-6 drops of acidity. Boil 2x Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf for 10 minutes.

Please note that altering variables like this can allow for additional iron to be released but the amount of iron released may vary since these methods have not been clinically validated.

Your iron-fortified water can be stored for 2-3 days in the refrigerator or on the counter.

The Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf releases gentle amounts of easily absorbable iron and is therefore safe to use for most individuals including pregnant and nursing mothers.

We have not tested use of the Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf on infants under 12 months of age. According to 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.

We do not recommend using it if you have a hemoglobin variant such as Hemochromatosis*.
*Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that makes it difficult for the body to deal with iron. Individuals with this disorder should not use the Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf.

If you are not certain or have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.

Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf is now made in one of the largest manufacturers in the world for high purity iron. It is also an ISO 9001, 14001, 22000 & OHSAS 18001 certified facility. It meets Food Chemical Codex (FCC) standards.

Every batch is tested to make sure the Lucky Iron Fish or Leaf releases iron that can be absorbed by the body at a level that will not cause toxicity. We also make sure that there are no contaminants in the iron that might be harmful to human health. In addition to batch testing, we conduct random spot tests by independent laboratories.

The Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf is made from food-grade electrolytic iron that is FDA certified and is approved worldwide for food fortification.

When concerned about any supplementation regime, we always recommend that you talk to your healthcare professional.

The Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf would have to be intentionally misused (e.g. boiling for hours at a time) to release too much iron. This would also change the taste and smell of the liquid making it very undesirable to use.

When used as directed, the Lucky Iron Fish/ Leaf can be a great source of easily absorbable iron.

When concerned about any supplementation regime, we always recommend that you talk to your healthcare professional.

While side effects like nausea, constipation, and discomfort are common with many iron supplementations, Lucky Iron Fish/ Leaf has no side effects when used as directed.

This is because the Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf provides iron that is extremely easy for the body to absorb. 

Yes, it is totally normal for your Fish/Leaf to look different as you continue to use it as it is made with natural iron. It just means it is working!

If what you are seeing is orange in colour, then it is likely rust. Not to worry though, rusting is common and can be cleaned easily.

To avoid rust, please remember to follow the easy Use & Care steps:
⦿ Scrub your Fish/Leaf with soapy water before and after use (even if only making Lucky Iron Water).
⦿ Immediately dry your Lucky Iron Fish/Leaf with a kitchen towel after cleaning it. 
***NEVER let your Fish/Leaf air dry or let it sit wet as this is when rust forms.
⦿ Upon drying it, apply a drop or two of the Protection Oil to protect it from environmental moisture.

To remove rust,
⦿ Add a little lemon juice on the Fish/ Leaf and scrub it (use the scrubby side of the sponge!).
⦿ Then scrub clean it again, this time using soap and water. 
⦿ Thoroughly dry it and then apply the Protection Oil.

You're all set!

From our Canadian site, we offer free shipping to all Canadian regions.

From our Global site, we offer free shipping to all regions in USA. Here, we also ship to 90+ countries around the world. 

Free shipping is also available on Amazon in Canada, USA, Australia, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Mexico and Japan. Make sure the Amazon seller you are purchasing from is Lucky Iron Fish®!

For more information, visit our Shipping page.

Shipping times may vary depending on your location. We offer FREE shipping in Canada and to the USA.

For expedited delivery, you will be shown live shipping rates and times during the checkout process. 

*Please note that the shipping times do not include the processing time and are estimated based on the date they leave our warehouse. Days are business days - they do not include weekends or holidays.