Iron deficiency anemia is the most common reason why you'd ever need to take an iron supplement. Most people get more than enough iron in their diet, since red meat, poultry and seafood contain this mineral. This isn't to say it's impossible for nutritional deficiencies to lead to the need for an iron supplement, but more likely the culprit is blood loss or malabsorption of iron. Even pregnancy can cause an iron deficit. Always talk to your doctor before taking this or any other dietary supplement.
Step 1
Take the prescribed amount of iron. Taking iron on an empty stomach improves the absorption of this mineral.
Step 2
Wash the iron supplement down with a glass of orange juice. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin C improves the absorption rate of iron.
Step 3
Take iron with a vitamin C supplement. If you don't like or are unable to drink orange juice for some reason, a vitamin C supplement works just as well. Your doctor can tell you exactly how much supplemental vitamin C you should take with your iron supplement.
Step 4
Prepare a meal containing meat proteins. Like vitamin C, the protein from meat improves the absorption of iron, advises the Office of Dietary Supplements. Make a hamburger, pork chop, steak or other lean meat for the meal you're planning to eat after taking the supplement.
Step 5
Limit the dairy in any meal following your iron supplement. Calcium reduces the absorption of iron. Tannins, polyphenols and phytates can also be problematic for the absorption of iron. Tannins are in teas and wines, while polyphenols are in many fruits and vegetables. Legumes and grains have phytates. Avoiding these compounds is difficult, so talk to your doctor to determine if you need to limit your intake while taking an iron supplement.
Tips and Warnings
- According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, adult females between the ages of 19 and 50 need 18 mg of iron a day, whereas men within the same age range need only 8 mg. Pregnant women, however, need 27 mg, and those who are breastfeeding need 10 mg per day. Adults over the age of 50 require 8 mg a day.
- Only take iron under the supervision of a medical professional. Taking an iron supplement without a need for it can lead to toxicity, resulting in serious health complications, such as organ failure, warns the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
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