Adequate iron is essential for growing teenagers, but poor diets and busy lifestyles may make it hard for adolescents to consume enough dietary iron. While a diet rich in iron is ideal for teens, iron supplements may be appropriate in some instances. Your health care provider can suggest appropriate supplements and diagnose low iron, or iron-deficiency anemia, in your teen if present.
Features
Low iron, or anemia, presents with a number of symptoms. According to Anemia.org, in teens anemia may cause tiredness, pale skin, weakness, irritability, dizziness and decreased appetite. If you notice these symptoms in your teen, your health care provider can perform a simple hemoglobin check. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends females be tested at least once every five years for anemia, with annual tests if symptoms are noted.
Function
Iron is essential for a variety of bodily functions, including transporting blood to the brain, according to KidsHealth.org. Adequate iron intake is essential for brain development and energy levels. Ideally, iron is absorbed from dietary sources; however, iron supplements may be appropriate for teens with iron-deficiency anemia or those who eat a diet low in iron.
Types
Iron supplements come in several forms. Many multivitamins, particularly those designed for children and women, include iron; however, these are not adequate to treat iron-deficiency anemia, according to KidsHealth.org. If your child is diagnosed with anemia, the CDC recommends 60 mg of elemental iron one to two times daily. Ferrous iron is the best absorbed, and you will find ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate on store shelves. Look at the amount of elemental iron in each to choose the one that best fits with your doctor's recommendations.
Considerations
A diet rich in natural sources of iron--including meat, dark leafy greens and whole grains--will prevent anemia, recommends the Better Health Channel. Unfortunately, many teens do not eat an iron-rich diet. While iron supplements are not appropriate for teens without anemia, the National Anemia Action Council recommends a multivitamin with iron or daily consumption of iron-fortified cereal to ensure adequate iron intake. Iron-fortified cereals can be an especially good choice for vegetarians or teens on a restricted diet.
Warning
Iron supplements should only be taken with a doctor's recommendation. Common side effects of iron supplementation include constipation and stomach upset. Take iron with foods rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice, and avoid taking calcium and caffeine at the same time as an iron supplement, recommends Anemia.org. Iron supplements are toxic in large doses and should be kept out of reach of children.
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