Iron supplements are prescribed to treat iron deficiency and anemia arising from low iron in the body. Nausea is a common side effect of iron supplements, but you should not discontinue the supplements unless directed to do so by a doctor. Left untreated, anemia can cause serious health consequences and damage the heart and other organs. Talk to your doctor about the ways to decrease the adverse side effects of iron supplements, including changing to different brands or formulations.
Symptoms
The National Anemia Action Council estimates that up to 25 percent of patients taking iron supplements experience some unpleasant side effects that affect the digestive tract. These may include an upset stomach, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. Black stool is another common side effect of iron supplementation, but this is a harmless condition.
With Food
You may be directed to take your iron supplements on an empty stomach. However, if you experience nausea or other stomach discomfort, ask your doctor whether you can take the pills with meals. This can decrease absorption significantly, by 40 to 66 percent. Choose foods that contain vitamin C to aid in absorption of the iron.
Split Dose
Your body cannot absorb large doses of iron at a time. For this reason, it makes sense to split the therapeutic dose into two or three smaller doses and spread it out over the course of the day. This may have the additional benefit of reducing side effects. Don't take your last daily dose of iron too close to bedtime if it upsets your stomach.
Gradual Increase
Your gastrointestinal system may adjust more readily to increased iron consumption if you gradually increase the dose over several days. Ask your doctor if this is acceptable. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that you start with one pill per day for three to five days and then slowly add additional pills until you reach the dose prescribed by your doctor.
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