Your body needs iron to make red blood cells, generate energy and maintain normal cognitive function. Iron deficiency reduces work capacity, compromises cognitive performance, and eventually leads to iron-deficiency anemia. You may feel tired, irritated, cold and become more susceptible to infections with iron deficiency. If you are diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may prescribe an iron supplement.
Types of Iron Supplements
Iron supplements come in tablets, capsules, drops and liquid form. The iron in the supplements is in one of two forms: ferric iron or ferrous iron. Ferrous iron salts, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate, are best absorbed. Your body can only use elemental iron. So, instead of looking at the tablet size, you should note the amount of elemental iron in a supplement. For example, a typical 325 mg tablet of ferrous fumarate contains 108 mg of elemental iron, much higher than the 65 mg in a same-size tablet of ferrous sulfate and the 35 mg in a same-size tablet of ferrous gluconate, based on the data by the National Anemia Action Council.
Doses of Iron Supplements
For nonpregnant adults with iron-deficiency anemia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 50 to 60 mg of elemental iron twice a day, which is equivalent to two 325 mg tablets of ferrous sulfate a day. However depending on the severity of anemia, your doctor may prescribe a different dose. The Institute of Medicine sets the upper tolerable limit of iron for adults at 45 mg of elemental iron a day. You should not take more than this dose without medical supervision.
Stomach Upset
Iron supplements can cause stomach upset, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The higher the amount of elemental iron, the more likely you will experience these side effects. If you have stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers or irritable bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, iron supplements can cause more irritation and make these conditions worse. Use iron supplements with care if you have these diseases.
Ways to Reduce Stomach Upset
If you experience stomach upset from iron supplements, start with half the dose and gradually increase to full strength, recommends the Office of Dietary Supplements. Try not to take the supplements on an empty stomach. Although food decreases the absorption of iron, you can include vitamin C-rich fruit juice and meat with your meal to enhance the absorption of iron from supplements. On the other hand, you can also try enteric-coated or extended-released iron supplements. These supplements are generally gentler on the stomach but they are not as well absorbed, notes the National Anemia Action Council.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Iron; August 2007
- MedlinePlus; Iron; November 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Recommendations to Prevent and Control Iron Deficiency in the United States; April 1998
- National Anemia Action Council; A Patient's Guide to Oral Iron Supplement; November 2008
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