Iron deficiency anemia occurs over time when daily iron intake is not met. According to the National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, adult men should consume 8 mg of iron a day and adult women need 18 mg of iron each day to prevent anemia. Feeling tired, trouble concentrating, decreased immune function and an inflammation of the tongue are signs and symptoms of anemia.
Multivitamins and Food
When diagnosed with anemia, the doctor may prescribe a general multivitamin that contains iron. A multivitamin with iron and eating iron-rich foods may reverse the effects of anemia. Certain foods that contain significant iron amounts can be eaten to help with anemia. According to the National Institute of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, 3 1/2 oz. of cooked chicken liver contains 12.8 mg of iron. Six cooked oysters contain 4.5 mg of iron. Three ounces of lean beef contains 3.2 mg of iron. Iron from animal meats is better absorbed than iron coming from plant sources such as oatmeal, beans and bread.
Iron Supplements
Iron supplements are prescribed when the effects of anemia are not reversed by diet changes or through a multivitamin with iron. There are two types of supplements; those that contain the ferrous form of iron, or those with the ferric form of iron. According to the National Anemia Action Council, most iron supplements contain ferrous iron because it is better absorbed than ferric iron. Ferrous iron supplements are available in liquid form and time-release capsules. Iron can be given intravenously if a person has trouble remembering to take the supplement or if swallowing the supplement is a problem.
Absorption of Iron
Certain foods and medications can affect how well the body can absorb the iron supplement. According to the National Anemia Action Council, taking the iron supplement with any type of food can inhibit the absorption of iron by 44 to 66 percent. Beverages that contain caffeine or calcium also inhibit the absorption of iron. Medications such as antacids, protein pump inhibitors and H-2 receptor blockers inhibit the absorption of the iron supplement. It is important to tell the doctor which medications and supplement are being taken.
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