Iron deficiency anemia affects as much as 30 percent of the world's population, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Iron supplements can treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia in adults and children. These supplements may have some unpleasant side effects, however, including nausea.
Need for Supplements
Insufficient dietary intake of iron, insufficient absorption of iron, blood loss or heavy menstruation can all contribute to iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplements can treat this condition. Iron deficiency anemia causes tiredness and weakness, and may lead to decreased performance at school or work. Children with iron deficiency anemia may have slow cognitive and social development. Other symptoms include difficulty maintaining body temperature, decreased immune function and inflamed or sore tongue.
Nausea and Other Side Effects
Iron supplements can cause digestive discomfort and upset stomach, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. Enteric-coated or controlled-release iron supplements may minimize nausea in some people, according to MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, but the body absorbs less iron from these types of supplements. Most doctors recommend iron supplement treatments, dividing doses into three daily portions. Dividing doses can also help minimize side effects.
Taking Iron with Food
Taking iron supplements with food can help to reduce side effects, suggests MedlinePlus, but this method can reduce the body's ability to absorb the iron. The body absorbs 40 to 50 percent less iron when you take the supplements with food. Certain foods can interfere with the body's absorption of nonheme iron, the type found in supplements. These foods include calcium, dairy products, coffee and tea. Avoid taking iron with meals that include these foods. On the other hand, taking iron with vitamin C may improve the body's iron absorption.
Warning
Doses of iron as high as 60 mg/kg can cause fatal iron poisoning. Children are especially vulnerable to iron poisoning. Symptoms include stomach and intestinal distress, liver failure and low blood pressure. Call a doctor or a poison control center immediately if you suspect you or a family member has taken too much iron.
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