Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition that causes the body to become depleted of its iron stores. When this happens, you may feel fatigued or weak, have no energy, may finding breathing more difficult or find it hard to engage in sporting activity. Your nails and hair may also become brittle, your skin paler, your tongue may become swollen and tender, and your blood pressure may drop, causing dizziness when you move suddenly. When stores are severely depleted, an iron supplement may be necessary.
Common Causes of Deficiency
Some people are more at risk of developing anemia than others. If you are a woman with heavy menstruation or a teenage girl who has begun menstruation, you are particularly prone to iron deficiency. According to MedlinePlus, pregnant women, people with renal failure and people with gastrointestinal disorders are at risk. Strict vegetarians and athletes may also be at risk of deficiency.
How Supplements Work
Supplements are used to help rebuild the natural store of the body's own iron-levels. Rebuilding these stores may be quick or may take some time, depending on how serious your deficiency is. If your iron levels are low, you may be prescribed a strong tablet. To prevent iron toxicity, this will usually be only for a short time. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that the risk of iron toxicity is high, as the body does not deplete it easily, so discuss the length of treatment with your doctor if you feel your tablets are too strong.
Why Take Strong Supplements?
Iron plays a very important role in energy and well-being as it carries proteins known as myoglobin and hemoglobin to different parts of the body. These proteins transport oxygen around the body and, if depleted, your energy levels will be low and associated conditions, such as restless leg syndrome or irregular heartbeat, may occur.
Typical Dosage
The usual dosage for iron supplements is 50 to 60 mg, taken orally twice daily for three months, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Look at the dosage on the supplement packet to see how much of it is iron. If it exceeds 50 to 60 mg, don't worry. Some cases of iron-deficiency anemia may be more serious, so your doctor may advise a stronger dose.
Iron in Diet
If you are uncomfortable with taking a high dose of iron in supplement form, speak to your doctor about deriving some of the needed iron from your diet. Foods to include in your diet include chicken and beef liver, clams, oysters, kidney beans, green leafy vegetables, soybeans and iron-enriched cereals. Iron ingested from non-meat sources is not as easily absorbed as iron found in meat, but having a glass of orange juice or eating a food high in vitamin C at in the same meal can increase absorption.
Member Comments