Doctors recommend Iron supplements to patients with iron deficiencies. The most common form of iron supplement is ferrous sulfate in the form of a tablet, but there are other forms available. Rashes are a possible side effect of taking iron, but they may also be associated with an allergic reaction that requires the immediate attention of your physician.
Uses and Requirements
Iron is an essential mineral found in every cell of the body, but mostly in myoglobin and hemoglobin. Myoglobin and hemoglobin are oxygen transporters. Myoglobin moves the oxygen and stores it for muscles. Hemoglobin in red blood cells moves oxygen from the lungs to other tissues. Iron is also needed to make hormones, neurotransmitters, new cells and amino acids. The recommended daily intake for iron in women age 19s to 50 is 18 mg, for pregnant women it's 27 mg and for all men over 19 it is only 8 mg.
Oral Iron Supplements
The most common form of iron supplements is ferrous sulfate, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other, less common types are ferrous succinate, ferrous lactate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous glycine and ferric ammonium citrate. All of these forms are available in tablets or pills. Iron supplements are generally prescribed for those who suffer from anemia, seek to improve their sports performance if they are low on iron or need help with attention deficit hyperactive disorder. They are also recommended to treat coughs due to angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitors. They are sometimes given to infants and children who have an iron deficiency, but iron should never be given to children unless specified by their doctor.
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Injections
Iron supplementation can also be given through an injection at a clinic or hospital setting. These injections can be done inter-muscularly or intravenously. There are four common types of iron given through injections. Iron dextran can be given by either type of injection and can cause allergic rate of less than 1 percent. Ferumoxytol is given by an IV only and also has an allergic rate of less than 1 percent. Ferric gluconate and iron sucrose are both given by IV only, and patients receiving either of these forms of iron are unlikely to have an allergic reaction.
Allergic Reactions and Side Effects
According to the National Anemia Action Council, iron injections may cause side effects that include rashes, nausea, joint pain, headache, low blood pressure, flushing, dizziness, fever and chills. Common side effects of oral iron supplements include those above plus chest pains, redness of skin and cramping. Allergic reactions require the immediate attention of your health-care provider. Symptoms may include rashes along with hives; breathing difficulties; swelling of the lips, tongue, face or mouth; black or blood-streaked stools; fever; vomiting; or sharp abdominal pain.
Cautions
Iron supplements should not be given to children under 18 unless advised by a physician. Adult males and post-menopausal women should also avoid taking supplements because of the risk of iron overload. This overload can cause iron to build up and damage vital organs. Common side effects from taking iron supplements include nausea, constipation, diarrhea and upset stomach.
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