Your body uses iron to create hemoglobin, which is the protein component of your red blood cells. Without iron, you cannot create hemoglobin and your red blood count decreases dramatically. According to MayoClinic.com, most men receive enough iron through their diet. Certain conditions or circumstances, however, may increase iron needs and call for an iron supplement.
Who Needs Supplementation
Your body contains approximately two-thirds of its iron in your blood, which means blood loss dramatically decreases the amount of iron in your body. Men with severe injuries or those with excessive internal bleeding from ulcers or colon cancer may require iron supplements. Men with intestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, may also require iron supplements because their ability to absorb iron is decreased. Certain medications or prior intestinal surgery may also decrease your ability to absorb iron. In some cases, you may not consume enough iron in the diet and need a supplement.
Dosage
Iron supplements are available in oral capsules, tablets or liquid forms. Intravenous iron supplements are also available, but through a prescription only. The proper dosage for men taking oral forms of iron supplements is 10 mg per day. Your doctor determines proper intravenous dosage.
Take any iron supplements on an empty stomach, about one hour prior or two hours following a meal, with 8 oz. of water or fruit juice. This increases the ability to absorb the iron from the supplements. MayoClinic.com notes that if iron supplements cause upset stomach, you may take them with meals or directly after a meal.
Interactions
Cheese, yogurt, eggs, milk, spinach, tea, coffee and whole-grain breads and cereals can decrease the availability of iron in an iron supplement. Because of this, avoid these foods for one to two hours after taking iron.
Do not take iron supplements with antacids or calcium supplements. According to MayoClinic.com, these supplements decrease each other's effectiveness so take them at least two hours apart.
Warnings
Taking excess iron may cause an iron overdose. Early signs of an iron overdose include bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, stomach pain and severe vomiting that may contain blood. As an iron overdose progresses, it can cause blue lips and fingernails, seizures, clammy skin, weak heartbeat and shallow breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking an iron supplement, contact your doctor immediately.
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