Most Americans consume enough iron through a balanced diet, although certain conditions, such as bleeding problems, can increase the risk of iron deficiency. Women between the ages of 19 and 50 require 18 mg of iron per day, while older women and most men require 8 mg daily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Iron supplements may cause loose stools. Talk to your doctor about taking iron supplements, especially if you have a digestive disorder.
Iron Supplements
Your body requires iron to create red blood cells. Natural sources of iron include shellfish, poultry, lean red meat, organ meats and fish. Iron supplements can help you meet your daily nutritional requirements, although this mineral supplement can cause loose stools. Your body absorbs irons supplements best on an empty stomach. MayoClinic.com advises taking iron supplements with a glass of water or fruit juice about one hour prior to eating or two hours after meals.
Side Effects
Iron supplements can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. The more common side effects include diarrhea, constipation, nausea and leg cramps. Less common side effects include heartburn, dark urine and stained teeth. Side effects that may require medical care include muscle pain, chills, dizziness, fast heartbeat and fainting.
Loose Stools
Both diarrhea and constipation can result from taking iron supplements. Although iron supplementation can cause loose stools, other factors, such as lactose intolerance, Crohn's disease and parasites, may be responsible for your loose stools. Crohn's disease can lead to higher amounts of iron in the inflamed areas of the intestine. Recurrent diarrhea may lead to dehydration, so drink extra fluids if you have loose stools.
Precautions
Take iron supplements under the medical supervision of your doctor. Tell your doctor about any unusual or recurrent side effects. Too much iron in your body can lead to iron toxicity, a condition that may destroy the cells in your gastrointestinal tract, increasing your risk of bloody diarrhea and vomiting. If it becomes severe, the condition can be fatal. Iron supplements pose an accidental poisoning risk to children, so keep your supplements out of their reach. Iron supplements may interfere with ulcer medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and allopurinol, a drug that helps treat gout.
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