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Iron supplements, also known as iron salts and iron pills, are a number of iron formulations used to treat and prevent iron deficiency including iron deficiency anemia. [9] [10] For prevention they are only recommended in those with poor absorption, heavy menstrual periods, pregnancy, hemodialysis, or a diet low in iron.
Aug 3, 2023 · You should be able to get all the iron you need from your daily diet. Women who lose a lot of blood during their monthly period (heavy periods) are at higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia and may need to take iron supplements. Speak to a GP or a registered dietitian for more advice.
Iron deficiency anaemia is caused by lack of iron, often because of blood loss or pregnancy. It's treated with iron tablets and by eating iron-rich foods. Check if you have iron deficiency anaemia
In 1831, Blaud's pills – an iron supplement named for the French physician Pierre Blaud, who is said to have developed them – made it to market. Despite its prevalence, the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia has remained controversial. Shortly after their introduction, some researchers compared Blaud's pills to placebos, or even poisons. 1.
- Overview
- Benefits of iron supplements
- Types
- Side effects
- Dosage
- Natural iron supplements
- In pregnancy
- When will I start to feel better?
- Frequently asked questions
- The takeaway
Taking daily iron supplements can help manage iron deficiency anemia, though high doses can cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and dark stools.
Iron is a mineral that produces red blood cells and helps carry oxygen around the body.
When your iron levels are low, it can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which decreases the flow of oxygen to your organs and tissues.
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutritional disorders in the world, affecting as many as 25 percent of people globally.
In this article, we’ll review the different types of iron supplements available and their dosage recommendations.
We’ll also look at the relationship between anemia and pregnancy, and explore some natural solutions that may help boost your iron levels.
Most people get all the iron they need from food. But when you have iron deficiency anemia, your levels are too low to meet your nutritional needs. You can try to get back up to typical iron levels through diet alone, but for most people with very low iron reserves, getting iron from food isn’t enough.
Iron supplements allow you to get the iron your body needs with an easy-to-take, high dose tablet or liquid. Iron supplements have more iron than you find in a multivitamin, and your doctor can monitor the dose you take.
Oral supplements
Oral iron supplements are the most common treatments for anemia. You can take them as a pill, a liquid, or as a salt. You can find a variety of different types, including: •ferrous sulfate •ferrous gluconate •ferric citrate •ferric sulfate
Intravenous supplements
Certain people may need to take iron intravenously. You may need this method if: •your body cannot tolerate oral supplements •you experience chronic blood loss •your gastrointestinal (GI) tract has trouble absorbing iron There are several different types available, including: •iron dextran •iron sucrose •ferric gluconate
High doses of oral iron supplements may lead to GI symptoms such as:
•nausea
•vomiting
•diarrhea
•constipation
•dark stools
The dosage for iron supplements varies from person to person. Talk with a doctor about how much you need to take.
The doctor may recommend a daily dosing regimen. However, some research suggests taking iron once every other day may also be effective and has better absorption. Talk with the doctor about which dosing strategy is best for you.
Certain foods like dairy, eggs, spinach, whole grains, and caffeine can block iron absorption. Try to avoid having these foods at least 1 hour before and after you take your supplements. You should also take antacids and calcium supplements at least 1 hour apart from your iron.
If you have iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend supplements at a much higher dose than the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
If you’re living with mild iron deficiency anemia, it may be possible to treat your symptoms naturally through a nutrient-dense, balanced diet that includes iron-rich foods.
There are two main types of iron in your diet:
•Heme iron is found in red meat, poultry, and seafood.
•Non-heme iron is found in nuts, beans, vegetables, and whole grains.
Heme iron is easier for the body to absorb than non-heme, although both types can be part of a balanced diet. Some foods high in iron, such as spinach, also have components that make it hard for the body to absorb.
Vitamin C can help increase non-heme iron absorption. It’s a good idea to include items high in vitamin C in a plant-based meal.
During pregnancy, a person’s body needs much more iron to help supply oxygen to the baby. This extra demand increases the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia.
If left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can cause pregnancy complications like premature birth, low birth weight, and postpartum hemorrhage.
Some other factors that increase the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy can include:
•being pregnant with multiple babies
•having two closely spaced pregnancies
•having frequent episodes of morning sickness
Most people will start to feel the benefit of an iron supplement within a few days.
According to the U.K.’s National Health Service (NHS), it takes about 1 week to feel better after starting a ferrous fumarate supplement.
Can over-the-counter iron pills help anemia?
Over-the-counter iron pills, along with eating iron-rich foods, may help people with anemia caused by iron deficiency. However, it is important to discuss your recommended intake with a doctor. Sometimes, doctors may recommend a higher dosage for people with anemia due to iron deficiency. Other factors such as age, sex, the severity of the deficiency, and whether or not you’re pregnant can affect your recommended dose.
How long does it take to recover from anemia with iron supplements?
It can take about 1 week to start feeling better after beginning iron supplementation for iron deficiency anemia, according to the U.K.’s NHS. That being said, it can take longer to increase your iron reserves. It’s important to discuss dosage with a doctor to determine how long you should take supplements.
Is it OK to take an iron supplement every day?
Some doctors may recommend taking iron supplements daily. Research from 2017 suggests that taking iron supplements every other day may better help with absorption. If you have iron deficiency anemia, talk about dosage with your doctor to help ensure you get the amount of this essential nutrient that you need.
Iron is an essential mineral for maintaining good health. Iron supplements are an excellent way to prevent complications of iron deficiency anemia.
If you think you may have iron deficiency anemia, talk with your doctor about whether iron supplements are right for you.
Aug 9, 2023 · Iron-deficiency anaemia is caused by a lack of iron. Iron supplements are generally an easy, healthy way to take on extra iron.
People also ask
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How do iron supplements work?
Sep 24, 2023 · This article looks at types of iron supplements available, some conditions that might require iron supplements, side effects, dosages, and alternatives to iron supplements.
