Truth is we’ve been delaying this article for a while until we had enough information & facts to allow us to enlighten our readers. Hopefully by the end of this article you’ll have no doubts about this subject.
Important Warning:
Errous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous sulfate) come as regular, film-coated, and extended-release (long acting) tablets; capsules, and an oral liquid (drops and elixir) to take by mouth. Iron is usually taken with food or immediately after a meal once daily or as directed by your doctor. Take iron at around the same time(s) every day.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take iron exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Iron supplements are available alone and in fixed-combination with vitamins and certain medications. Swallow the tablets, film-coated tablets, and extended release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Mix the elixir with water or fruit juice to avoid possible teeth staining; do not mix with milk or a wine-based solutions.
Iron drops come with a special dropper for measuring the dose. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to show you how to use it. Dispense gently into mouth towards inner cheek; a small amount will remain in the tip.
If you are giving iron drops to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give iron products that are made for adults to childre.
Contents
F iron can lead to iron deficiency anaemia .
Types Of Iron Supplements
Side effects Taking the appropriate dosage of iron is unlikely to cause any side effects. If someone experiences these side effects and has concerns about them, they can speak to a healthcare professional. Having too much iron in the body can also be problematic.
Without treatment, iron overload disorder can damage the body’s organs, including the heart, liver, and pancreas. If someone takes more than the recommended dosage of iron supplements, they may develop iron poisoning. If someone suspects that they have taken too much iron, they should seek professional medical advice as soon as possible.
According to the NIH , the recommended daily amount of iron, in milligrams (mg), is as follows: Age Male Female During pregnancy During lactation 0–6 months 0.27 mg* 0.27 mg* 7–12 months 11 mg 11 mg 1–3 years 7 mg 7 mg 4–8 years 10 mg 10 mg 9–13 years 8 mg 8 mg 14–18 years 11 mg 15 mg 27 mg 10 mg 19–50 years 8 mg 18 mg 27 mg 9 mg 51+ years 8 mg 8 mg *Adequate Intake If someone requires iron supplements because they have an iron deficiency, a healthcare professional or pharmacist can determine the amount that they should take. Alternatives Currently, there are few alternatives to iron supplements. However, one possible alternative is a diet high in iron-rich foods.
Eating iron-rich foods with a good source of vitamin C as part of the same meal can improve the body’s absorption of iron. The following foods are high in vitamin C: oranges
broccoli
potatoes
red and green peppers
strawberries If a person does not wish to take iron supplements, they should discuss other measures with a healthcare professiona.
Recommended Intake
Infants: 0 to 6 months: 0.27 milligrams (mg)
7 to 12 months: 11 mg Children: 1 to 3 years: 7 mg
4 to 8 years: 10 mg Males: 9 to 13 years: 8 mg
14 to 18 years: 11 mg
19 years and older: 8 mg Females: 9 to 13 years: 8 mg
14 to 18 years: 15 mg
19 to 50 years: 18 mg
51 years and older: 8 mg
During pregnancy: 27 mg
When lactating between 14 and 18 years of age: 10 mg
When lactating at older than 19 years: 9 mg Iron supplements can be helpful when people find it difficult to take in enough iron through only dietary measures, such as in a plant-based diet.