Iron deficiency anemia is the most common anemia in the world, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Iron deficiency anemia in children is usually due to diet, while in adults it is usually caused by chronic blood loss (Reference 1). Once the cause of the anemia has been determined, supplementation is initiated. Iron supplements come in oral and parenteral forms.
Ferrous Iron
Iron salts, or ferrous iron, is the most commonly prescribed iron supplement because it is the most easily absorbed. They come in three forms including ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumurate. The amount of available elemental iron differs in each form. Elemental iron is the iron used by the body. Ferrous gluconate contains the most elemental iron with 106 mg, ferrous sulfate contains 65 mg and ferrous fumurate contains 35 mg. The National Anemia Council says the amount of absorbed iron decreases as dosages increase, and 50 to 60 mg of elemental iron two to three times a day is recommended. Ferrous sulfate is the least expensive and the most commonly prescribed iron supplement, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Iron Dextran
Iron dextran is a form of mineral iron. It is an intravenous or intramuscular iron supplement, and can only be administered by a doctor or healthcare professional, according to Drugs.com. Iron dextran is used to treat iron deficiency anemia. It is not known what effects iron dextran may have on a fetus, and pregnant women need to discuss treatment options with their doctor. Nursing mothers also need to discuss iron dextran treatment with their doctor's because it can pass to the baby through the breast milk. Side effects of using iron dextran include dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, fever, sweating, chills, muscle aches, metallic taste in the mouth and pain around the injection site.
Iron Sucrose
Iron sucrose in an injectable elemental iron for people on dialysis receiving erythropoietin therapy. Iron sucrose replenishes iron stores in the body, according to Drugs.com. Iron sucrose is not recommended for children, and pregnant and breastfeeding women need to discuss supplementation with their doctors before administration. Combining oral iron supplements with iron sucrose will decrease the effectiveness of iron sucrose, and the two are not recommended together. It is recommended people not drive after receiving iron sucrose, because it can cause dizziness and lightheadedness. Additional side effects include headaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
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