Some people take iron tablets to supplement their dietary intake. Typical food sources of iron include red meat, liver, seafood, nuts, dried fruits, whole grains, spinach, broccoli, beans and iron-fortified foods, such as breads and cereals. Iron aids in the transportation of oxygen through your blood, as well as facilitating immune function, temperature regulation, cognitive development and energy metabolism.
Benefits
Don't take iron tablets or any other form of supplementation without a doctor's guidance. Most people don't need iron supplementation, but some have low levels of iron due to insufficient dietary intake, an inability to absorb iron, pregnancy, heavy blood loss or a growth spurt, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Without sufficient iron supplementation, anemia might result, which is a condition that affects the ability of your red blood cells to transport oxygen from your lungs to the rest your body.
Considerations
Your body obtains the maximum amount of iron from tablets if you take them on an empty stomach. But some people experience nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea if they take iron supplements without food. If this is the case, discuss your problems with your doctor to identify what sorts of foods you can take to leave alleviate your stomach issues.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods interfere with the proper absorption of iron. For example, don't eat any of the following foods in the two hours before you take your iron supplements: eggs; high fiber foods, such as raw vegetables, spinach, whole grains and bran; foods and beverages that contain caffeine; or dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt.
Effects
Tell your doctor about any negative side effects you experience. If you're taking high doses of iron, you might experience nausea and vomiting, according to MedlinePlus. It says that constipation, diarrhea and black stools are common effects of iron supplementation, though you should contact your doctor if your stools are tarry-looking or have red streaks. Also, contact your doctor if you experience cramps, sharp pains or soreness in your stomach.
Alternatives
If you have difficulty swallowing iron tablets, discuss other iron supplementation options with your doctor. Other than tablets, iron supplements are also available in capsule, chewable tablet and liquid forms. Don't crush your tablets or dissolve them in liquid unless your doctor or pharmacist permits it. Crushing some types of medications interferes with their absorption. For example, the tablet's manufacturer might have formulated the supplement for timed release.
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