Iron is essential for the circulation of oxygen around the body. Iron is used to form two proteins called myoglobin and hemoglobin. These bring oxygen to the tissues and muscles. Iron is also essential for cell differentiation, the process through which cells acquire specific specialized functions, and healthy cell growth, the process by which cells are formed or divided into new cells. If you think you lack iron, contact your doctor. Although iron supplements are available without prescription, deficiency may have underlying causes that need to be tested for.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency can cause low energy, low immunity, persistent fatigue, restless legs syndrome, irritability and an irregular heartbeat, according to MayoClinic.com. Other symptoms to look out for include a paling of the skin on the lower inner eyelids, paling of the gums and mouth, pale skin, and dry and brittle hair or nails. A sore, swollen tongue can also be a sign of iron deficiency anemia.
Causes
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, iron deficiency is the most common deficiency in the world, with an estimated 80% of the world's population suffering from deficiency--30 percent of those to the extent of developing anemia. Iron deficiency has many causes. If you are a vegetarian, or run long distances, you are at risk of anemia. If you are are pregnant, or have recently had a baby, are a teenage girl or a menstruating woman, you at a very high risk. People with gastrointestinal disorders or who suffer from bleeding ulcers or problems with the intestine are also at risk.
Supplement Composition
According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, most iron supplements are composed of either ferrous or ferric iron. Your body can absorb ferrous iron salts better than ferric iron, but either may be effective for your needs, depending on severity. Ferrous iron comes in the form of ferrous iron salts (ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate).
Typical Dosage
The dose of your iron supplement will depend on the severity of your deficiency. The typical dosage a doctor will advise is between 50 to 60 mg per day. Pregnant women may require a greater dose of iron, as iron deficiency can increase the chances of giving birth pre-term twofold and can triple the chances of a baby having low birth weight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Common Side Effects
The National Anemia Action Council states that all iron supplements will give you dark stools. Stools may even appear to be black, but this is perfectly normal. Upset stomach, nauseousness and constipation are common side effects.
Warning
Iron tablets can cause toxicity as iron is not easily dispelled from the body, so always keep supplements out of the reach of children.
Toxicity may also occur in adults, if iron is taken where no deficiency occurs. Symptoms to look out for include diarrhea, black stools, convulsions, coma, chills, headache, nausea, dizziness or drowsiness and extreme fatigue. If you overdose, your blood pressure may drop, which will often present as a weak or slow pulse, your lips and nails may turn bluish, and you may have a metallic taste in your mouth. If you suspect that you, or anyone you know, has an iron overdose, consult a doctor or visit a hospital immediately, as this can be fatal.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Iron Deficiency Anemia -- Symptoms
- Medline Plus: Iron in Diet
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet -- Iron
- CDC: Recommendations to Prevent and Control Iron Deficiency in the United States
- The National Anemia Action Council: A Patient's Guide to Oral Iron Supplements
- Medline Plus: Iron Overdose
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