Iron is an essential mineral necessary for the production of healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein which carries oxygen from the lungs to the body. Iron deficiency can be caused blood loss, inadequate iron intake and gastrointestinal abnormalities that alter iron absorption. Multivitamins with iron can be used to prevent iron deficiency.
Iron Deficiency and Multivitamins
Multivitamins with iron are recommended to prevent iron deficiency in people with increased iron needs, including patients with trauma and digestive disorders, menstruating women, pregnant women, older adults, children and adolescents. Iron can also be obtained from the diet from natural sources including oysters, beef liver, prune juice, clams, red meat, eggs, poultry, milk, kidney beans, Lima beans, spinach, broccoli, collards, turnip greens, iron-enriched bread, peas, iron and fortified cereals.
Side Effects of Multivitamins
Multivitamins with iron may cause side effects such as upset stomach, headache, unusual taste in the mouth, increased urination, stomach bleeding, muscle weakness, confusion and irregular heart rate, according to Drugs.com. Patients who overdose on multivitamins with iron may experience symptoms such as stomach irritation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, hair loss, severe headache, muscle pain, joint pain, blood in urine, weight loss, menstrual irregularities and peeling of the skin. Patients allergic to vitamin and iron supplements should avoid taking multivitamins.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Patients with iron deficiency experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, fast heart rate, pale skin, cold hands and feet, irritability, sore and swollen tongue, cravings for non-food items such as soil, enlarged spleen, poor concentration and decreased immune function, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron deficiency can also cause slow cognitive and social development in children.
Iron Administration
Iron supplements are prescribed to treat severe iron deficiency. Iron supplements are available as tablets, capsules and liquids. Iron tablets and liquids should be taken with orange juice to help increase iron absorption. Iron supplements can cause stomach irritation and should be taken with food. Common effects of iron supplements include constipation, black stools and stained teeth.
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