If you’re here, then you probably Google’d: what do iron vitamins do. This subject along with many others are quite common, we will do our best to answer this and many other similar questions in this article which should ease your mind regarding this subject.
Contents
Iron is important in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body.
Why Do You Need Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral. “The major reason we need it is that it helps to transport oxygen throughout the body,” says Paul Thomas, EdD, RD, a scientific consultant to the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements.
Hemoglobin represents about two-thirds of the body’s iron. Without healthy red blood cells, your body can’t get enough oxygen. That exhaustion can affect everything from your brain function to your immune system’s ability to fight off infections.
If you’re pregnant, severe iron deficiency may increase your baby’s risk of being born too early, or smaller than normal. Iron has other important functions, too.
Recommended Intake
Information
The most common tablet size is 325 mg (ferrous sulfate).
Ask your health care provider how many pills you should take each day and when you should take them. Tips FOR TAKING IRON
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Milk, calcium and antacids should NOT be taken at the same time as 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. Your provider may suggest changing these. Wait at least 2 hours between doses of these drugs and iron supplements.
Side EFFECTS
Constipation due to iron pills is common. If constipation becomes a problem, take a stool softener such as docusate sodium (Colace). Ask your provider about switching to another form of iron rather than just stopping.
Black stools are normal when taking iron tablets. Try mixing the iron with water or other liquids (such as fruit juice or tomato juice) and drinking the medicine with a straw. Iron stains can be removed by brushing your teeth with baking soda or peroxide.