Iron supplements are used to treat iron deficiency anemia. Iron tablets affect your bowel habits and the color of your stools. Color change is normal, and some health professionals feel this is a good sign your supplement is working properly. If you become concerned about the color change in your stool while taking iron supplements, consult your physician immediately.
Color Change
Iron supplements cause your stools to become darker. This is a common side effect of iron supplementation. Unabsorbed iron passes through the feces, causing the darkening of your stools, according to the prescription drug website Drugs. If you don't have any color change in your stool from taking iron supplements, speak with your health care provider about changing to another iron supplement.
Absorption
Iron absorption is affected by the amount of iron digested at one time. The National Anemia Action Council states that to treat iron deficiency anemia, you may require 60 to 200 mg of elemental iron. The larger the dose of iron delivered to your intestines, the less your body absorbs. Most over-the-counter iron supplements contain 35 to 100 mg of elemental iron available. Depending on the severity of your anemia, your health care provider can recommend which type of iron salt you should take and how many doses you need per day to correct your anemia.
Increasing Iron Benefits
To increase the benefit of iron to correct your anemia, you should take your iron tablets on an empty stomach with vitamin C rich juice. Vitamin C helps iron to become oxidized and increases absorption in your intestines. The National Anemia Action Council recommends increasing your overall vitamin C intake while taking iron supplements to enhance absorption. Vitamin C can aid in anemia recovery and lessen the time you spend on iron supplements. You are recommended to take your iron supplements for up to 6 months, but speak with your health care provider about the length of time you need to take iron supplements to completely rebuild your iron stores.
Other Side Effects
Other side effects you can experience with taking iron supplements include constipation, nausea or upset stomach and abdominal cramping. These symptoms can be alleviated by starting with a lower dose of iron and gradually increasing your dose. If you are unable to take your iron on an empty stomach, you can take it at the end of your day before bedtime. This can lessen any stomach issues associated with iron supplements. You can take your iron supplements with meals, but don't take supplements with high calcium and fiber rich meals or foods. Calcium and fiber bind iron and decreases absorption by your intestines.
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