Yet iron supplements can cause stomach cramps nausea and diarrhea in some people.
What is a good iron supplement to take.
You may need to take iron with a small amount of food to avoid this problem.
There are many types of iron used in supplements the most common of which are ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate.
These supplements can be particularly helpful among people who are prone to low iron levels especially if they re unable to maintain a good iron status through diet alone including 1 3 4 5.
However some conditions such as anemia require iron supplements.
Iron supplements come in many forms such as liquid capsules tablets and in some cases intravenous iron.
Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet.
The best dietary source of absorbable heme iron is lean red meat.
But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a gp.
Because iron can cause stomach related side effects you might need to take it with food.
Continued do you need to take an iron supplement.
Iron is a mineral that s necessary for life.
In fact many groups are at an increased risk of deficiency for this important mineral including infants and children women who are pregnant those with heavy menstrual periods and those following a vegan or vegetarian diet for this reason many people choose to take iron supplements.
Iron is available in a variety of foods.
If you do not have enough iron your body cannot make hemoglobin and you may develop anemia.
Iron plays a key role in the making of red blood cells which carry oxygen you can get iron from food and from supplements.
Iron deficiencies are very common.
One way of treating anemia is with oral iron supplements including pills capsules drops and extended release tablets.
Milk calcium and antacids should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements.
If your iron is low eating a diet that is high in iron rich foods such as fortified cereals red meat dried fruit and beans may not be enough.
Iron is found in the diet in two forms heme iron which is well absorbed and nonheme iron which is poorly absorbed.
If you think that you are not getting enough vitamins and or minerals in your diet you may choose to take a dietary supplement.
If you take iron supplements do not take too much as this could be harmful.
You should wait at least 2 hours after having these foods before taking your iron supplements.
Ferrous sulfate is the form best absorbed by the body.