Iron Supplement Treatment

Iron deficiency occurs in two stages. During the first stage, iron stores are depleted without anemia. During the second stage, you become anemic, as evidenced by a decrease in the size, color and number of red blood cells. You may not experience symptoms with depleted iron stores or even mild anemia. However, symptoms usually become apparent as deficiency progresses. Treatment for both stages consists of iron supplements.

Types

The two basic types of iron supplements are oral and injectable. Most patients begin with oral iron supplements. If you experience unacceptable side effects on oral iron supplements or if your body does not absorb them, your doctor may transition you to injectable iron supplements. Among injectable iron supplements, there are two types: intramuscular and intravenous.

Doses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests a standard dose of 50 to 60 mg of iron two times per day for non-pregnant adults. The CDC suggests low-dose -- 30 mg per day -- iron supplements for all pregnant women, beginning at the first prenatal visit. For children, the CDC recommends a total of 4 to 6 mg per kg of body weight, divided into three equal doses. The CDC doses represent recommendations. Your doctor may prescribe something different, depending on your individual needs.

Time Frame

You may notice that you feel better within a few days of starting iron supplements and levels of reticulocytes, immature red blood cells, will show corresponding increases. Hemoglobin levels take two to three weeks to show improvements and about eight weeks to return to normal. Your doctor may tell you to continue taking iron supplements for six months to one year, to replenish your body's iron stores. If the cause of your iron deficiency -- such as gastrointestinal disease, heavy menstrual periods or vegetarian diets -- cannot be corrected, you may require iron supplements indefinitely.

Side Effects

Side effects of oral iron supplements include stomach upset, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Side effects of injectable iron supplements include allergic reactions -- less than 1 percent of cases -- and skin discoloration or bruising the injection site, according to the National Anemia Action Council. Iron can also interfere with medications -- especially antibiotics, levothyroxine, bisphosphonates, levodopa, methyldopa, mycophenylate mofetil and penicillamine. Tell your doctor about all side effects and do not forget to include iron supplements in your health and medication history.

Toxicity

Using iron supplements without a prescription over a long period of time may result in a condition called iron overload. Excess iron accumulates in the internal organs and joints. Complications, such as heart failure, diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and arthritis, do not appear until damage has been done. Exceeding the recommended dose in a short time my result in a condition called iron overdose. Symptoms include difficulty breathing due to fluid accumulation in the lungs, vomiting blood, convulsions, chills, dizziness and shock. Always keep iron supplements out of reach of children.

Considerations

Your body requires other nutrients -- including vitamins B12, B6 and E, folate, copper and zinc -- to use iron supplements effectively. To obtain these nutrients, consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein. If you're not sure how to do this, ask your doctor for advice or request a referral to a registered dietitian.