Best supplements: Should you be taking iron supplements? Signs you may need to take them

When a body experiences iron deficiency it leads to abnormally low levels of red blood cells. If the body doesn’t have enough haemoglobin, the tissues and muscles will not get enough oxygen and be able to work effectively. Pregnant woman and vegetarians are most at risk of having low levels of iron which could cause anaemia. People with a poor diet, intestinal disorders, chronic diseases, infections, and other conditions makes a person iron deficient. How does a person know if they may be iron deficient and need to supplements?

Feeling tired, having a shortness of breath, noticeable changes in heart beats such as palpitations, having pale skin are all signs of iron deficiency.

In addition to eating foods that are rich in iron, you may have to take oral iron supplements.

There are many different types of oral iron supplements, including pills, capsules, drops, and extended-release tablets.

The purpose of oral iron supplementation is to treat your symptoms by increasing the levels of iron and hemoglobin in your body.

You don’t need a prescription to buy iron supplements. Working with your doctor, you can choose which type is best for you.

Oral iron supplements contain different amounts of elemental iron.

When you choose a supplement, be sure to check the label to see how much elemental iron it contains; a greater amount means that more iron will be absorbed by your body.

The Cleveland Clinic said on their website: “Although supplements work best on an empty stomach, you may want to take them with food so that they don’t upset your stomach.

“You shouldn’t take iron supplements with milk, caffeine, antacids, or calcium supplements.

“Try to take your iron supplements with vitamin C like a glass of orange juice, to increase absorption.”

Your doctor will tell you how much iron you need to take every day. For the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults, 100 to 200 mg of elemental iron per day has been recommended.

The best way to take the supplement so that you absorb the greatest amount of iron is to take it in two or more doses during the day.

Iron is important in making red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia


However, extended-release iron products may be taken once a day.

It’s important to speak with your GP before embarking on any new supplements. The NHS added: “Iron is important in making red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body.

“A lack of iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia. Good food sources of iron include liver, meat, beans, nuts, dried fruit and fortified breakfast cereals.

“If you take iron supplements, don’t take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm.”

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