The Dosage Of Iron For Iron Deficiency With Anemia

Iron is an essential mineral that your body requires for the proper functioning of protein and enzymes. Specifically, iron is an integral part of heme, the oxygen-carrying pigment of your red blood cells. Iron deficiency can be caused by insufficient dietary intake, as well as by bleeding disorders and other conditions. Low iron levels can produce anemia, a condition characterized by low levels of hemoglobin. To correct the deficiency, supplementation with iron may be required. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment.

Anemia Defined

Anemia is defined as a low hematocrit, which is the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood. Your doctor uses a simple blood test to measure hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin below 13.5 g/dL in men, or below 12 g/dL in women, is associated with anemia. Anemia has many causes, and iron deficiency is by far the most common.

Iron Deficiency Causes

The recommended daily allowance of iron is 8 mg for men. Women between the ages of 19 and 50 should consume 18 to 50 mg per day. Older women should aim for 8 mg per day. If you are pregnant or lactating, your iron requirements are higher. Check with your doctor for the amount that is right for you. Although iron deficiency may be caused by insufficient iron intakes, the most common cause of iron deficiency is blood loss, especially from the gastrointestinal tract. This may be due to aspirin use, inflammatory bowel disease or cancer. Heavy menstrual losses and frequent blood donations are other causes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are similar to the symptoms of other anemias. These include fatigue, rapid heart rate and feeling anxious. You may also look pale and get winded easily. Severe deficiency can produce a smooth tongue and brittle nails. To determine whether you have iron-deficiency, your doctor will determine the level of iron in your blood. If it is low, you are likely deficient.

Treatment

The treatment of iron deficiency anemia depends on the cause. Your doctor will first determine why your blood iron levels are low. If it is due to dietary deficiency, increasing iron intake is important. Of course, if you are losing blood internally, efforts will focus on reversing the cause of bleeding. Regardless of the cause, iron is replaced most rapidly either in pill or injectable form. These methods raise levels more quickly than simply eating iron-rich foods.

Iron Supplementation

The dose of oral iron replacement therapy is ferrous sulfate, 325 mg three times daily. The goal is to return levels to normal within 3 weeks. Iron therapy generally continues for 3 to 6 months, to sufficiently replenish your iron stores. Iron can be hard on your stomach, and if you cannot tolerate iron in pill form, or if you have continued blood loss, your doctor may order injectable iron, in the form of sodium ferric gluconate. The typical dose is 1.5 to 2 g per day.