Iron deficiency is the main reason you would take iron supplements. Iron deficiency prevents your cells from obtaining enough oxygen, which causes symptoms like fatigue and reduced immune health. Your body stores iron, though, so there is a risk of building up too much in your system from taking supplements. For this reason, only take iron supplements with the guidance of your doctor.
Special Populations
Certain populations are most at risk for iron deficiency and might need iron supplements. Adult men and postmenopausal women would generally have no reason to take iron supplements, as these populations do not lose much iron and keep their iron stores. The populations with the most risk of iron deficiency anemia are low-birthweight or preterm infants, toddlers, teenage females, women of childbearing age and pregnant women. Women who have heavy periods and people with kidney failure, undernourished people and people with gastrointestinal conditions are also at risk. Vegetarians also might need a supplement.
Iron Deficiency
If you have an iron deficiency, your doctor will probably recommend iron supplements to bring your body's iron stores up to a healthy level. Most people with iron-deficiency anemia take 50 to 60 mg of iron two times a day for three months. The dose differs based on the individual situation, so talk to your doctor to determine your needs.
Iron Recommendations
The recommended dietary allowance, RDA, is a guideline for the average amount of a nutrient most healthy people should take each day. The RDA for iron is 11 mg for babies of seven to 12 months, 7 mg for infants of 1 to 3 years, 10 mg for children of 4 to 8 years and 8 mg for children of 9 to 13 years. It is 11 mg for 14- to 18-year-old males, 15 mg for 14- to 18-year-old females, 8 mg for 19- to 50-year-old males, 18 mg for 19- to 50-year-old females and 8 mg for males and females over the age of 51.
Warning
Since your body keeps stores of iron, taking too much can cause iron toxicity. Iron toxicity is especially dangerous because it does not always have noticeable symptoms. Early symptoms are often non-specific, like fatigue, so you might not know you have toxicity. During this time, toxicity can lead to organ damage and even death. This is why it's important to work with a doctor before you take iron supplements. If your doctor puts you on high doses of iron, he should check you for iron toxicity during the treatment.
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