According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, iron supplementation is recommended in the treatment of iron deficiency anemia when diet alone does not work. Iron deficiency anemia leads to unhealthy red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body; lack of oxygen leads to lack of energy. Iron supplements come in different forms, but each form has a specified use.
Iron Dextran
Iron dextran is the injectable form of iron. Drugs.com says that intramuscular (IM) iron dextran is used to treat anemia when oral supplementation is not possible or is not working. It is recommended for use of iron deficiency anemia only. Iron dextran should not be taken with any oral iron supplement.
Iron Sucrose
Iron sucrose is used to treat iron deficiency anemia for people on hemodialysis and erythropoietin therapy. It is usually administered as an injection at the doctor's office. Iron sucrose may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. It is not recommended for use in children. Drugs.com says the effects of iron sucrose on infants and fetuses are unknown; pregnant women should discuss the contraindications prior to taking it.
Sodium Ferric Gluconate
Iron sucrose is used to treat iron deficiency anemia for people on hemodialysis and erythropoietin therapy. It is usually administered as an injection at the doctor's office. Iron sucrose may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. It is not recommended for use in children. Drugs.com says the effects of iron sucrose on infants and fetuses are unknown; pregnant women should discuss the contraindications prior to taking it.
Ferrous Iron
Ferrous iron is the oral form of iron supplementation. It is available in three forms: ferrous fumurate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate. According to the National Anemia Council, while each form of ferrous iron contains 325mg of iron, they each contain different amounts of elemental iron. Ferrous fumarate has 108mg, ferrous sulfate 65mg and ferrous gluconate 65mg. The amount of elemental iron indicates the amount available for absorption; however, the amount of iron absorbed decreases with the increasing dose. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends the iron supplements be taken in two or three doses. For adults, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 50 to 60mg of elemental iron daily. Oral iron supplements can cause abdominal distress including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Tolerance may improve if the iron supplement is taken with food.
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