Eating iron-rich foods is a key part of treating anemia caused by low iron levels. You may also need to take iron supplements as well to rebuild iron stores in your body.
Have your health care provider tell you how many pills you should take each day and when you should take them. Taking more iron than your body needs can cause serious medical problems.
Blood counts return to normal after 2 months of iron therapy for most people. You may need to continue taking supplements for another 6 to 12 months to build up the body's iron stores in the bone marrow.
TIPS FOR TAKING IRON
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Yet, iron supplements can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea in some people. You may need to take iron with a small amount of food to avoid this problem.
Milk, calcium and antacids should NOT be taken at the same time as iron supplements. You should wait at least 2 hours after having these foods before taking your iron supplements.
Foods that you should NOT eat at the same time as you take your iron include:
- High fiber foods, such as whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran
- Foods or drinks with caffeine
Some doctors suggest taking a vitamin C supplement or drinking orange juice with your iron pill. This can help the iron absorb into your body. Drinking 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of fluid with an iron pill is also OK.
Tell your provider about all the medicines you are taking.
- Iron tablets may cause other drugs you are taking to not work as well. Some of these include tetracycline, penicillin, and ciprofloxacin and drugs used for hypothyroidism, Parkinson disease, and seizures.
- Medicines that reduce stomach acid will impair iron absorption. Your provider may suggest changing these.
- Wait at least 2 hours between doses of these drugs and iron supplements.
SIDE EFFECTS
Constipation and diarrhea are very common. If constipation becomes a problem, take a stool softener such as docusate sodium (Colace).
Nausea and vomiting may occur with higher doses, but they can be controlled by taking the iron in smaller amounts. Ask your provider about switching to another form of iron rather than just stopping.
Black stools are normal when taking iron tablets. In fact, this is felt to be a sign that the tablets are working correctly. Talk to your provider right away if:
- The stools are tarry-looking as well as black
- If they have red streaks
- Cramps, sharp pains, or soreness in the stomach occur
- Keep tablets in a cool place. (Bathroom medicine cabinets may be too warm and humid, which may cause the pills to fall apart.)
Keep iron supplements out of the reach of children. If your child swallows an iron pill, contact a poison control center right away.
What are the
benefits of iron?
Iron is essential to life. It contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and also plays an important role in normal energy metabolism, oxygen transport, cognitive function, immune function and formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin.
Iron has many functions in the human body:
- It allows oxygen to be transported in red blood cells
- Helps to ensure proper functioning of the immune system
- Helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue
- Supports cognitive function
- Contributes to normal energy production
Taking Iron During Your Period
A woman’s natural iron regulatory system increases absorption of iron from her diet during these times of blood loss. Her normal absorption rate of 1 milligram is stepped up to 1.5–3 milligrams per day—the female body’s natural response to blood loss. However, it may be difficult to meet this increased need for iron through diet alone, particularly in women with low red meat intake, those on plant-based diets and those who have recently given birth.
Amongst women who experience heavier periods adequate daily iron intake is particularly important and may be difficult to achieve with diet alone.
Some iron rich foods include:
- Red meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Grains
- Tofu
- Beans
- Dark, leafy greens.
Avoid caffeine immediately after your meals, since this substance can decrease iron absorption. Vitamin C, on the other hand, can make it easier for your digestive system to absorb iron.
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