Iron is an important supplement for your health. Forming a part of the red pigment called hemoglobin in your red blood cells (RBCs), it gives the RBCs the red color and helps bring oxygen to all your cells. Aside from that, iron is also vital for the proper function of your bone marrow, muscles, spleen and liver. A lack of iron can cause many medical problems such as anemia. If you are experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency, which include shortness of breath, fatigue and paleness, consult your doctor to see if taking iron supplements can help improve your condition.
Step 1
Understand that there are numerous different oral dosage forms of iron supplements. These include ferrous sulfate, iron-polysaccharide, ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate.
Step 2
Browse the aisles at your local pharmacy or supermarket to see the range of options you have. Understand that expensive iron supplements that are labeled as "natural" may not add anything different than the cheaper brands.
Step 3
Choose if you want to consume iron in tablet, capsule or a liquid form.
Step 4
Read and locate the Daily Values (DVs) percentage on the iron supplement label to know the daily amount of iron that is provided in one serving. It is vital that you get enough iron. Recommended dietary allowances for iron for adults as recommended by the National institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements are 18 mg a day for females and 8 mg a day for males.
Step 5
Check to see that the bottle you choose is sealed and check the expiration date to make sure the iron supplement is fresh and not expired. Vitamins and minerals generally deteriorate from the day they are made; the potency of iron is lowered when expired.
Step 6
Ask your physician for his advice on what iron supplement would be a good choice for your dietary needs.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult your physician before taking an iron supplement.
References
- National Insitutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements
- "Minerals, Supplements & Vitamins: The Essential Guide;" H. Winter Griffith, M.D.; 2000
- "Solve It with Supplements: The Best Herbal and Nutritional Supplements to Help Prevent and Heal More than 100 Common Health Problems;" Dr. Robert Schulman, M.D., and Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D.; 2006
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