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Nutritional Iron Supplements
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Nutritional iron supplements are primarily used by those with iron-deficiency anemia or conditions that lead to it, such as low hemoglobin or red blood cell count. Although iron is normally obtained from food, certain conditions increase the body's need for iron. These include pregnancy, bleeding problems, hemodialysis, and intestinal problems. Breastfed infants and children undergoing growth spurts may also need supplemental iron.
There are different types of nutritional iron supplements, but each one serves a different purpose. It is important to choose the right iron supplement to best serve your nutritional needs. Here are some buying tips and advice on using nutritional iron supplements.
1. Read the generic names.
Nutritional iron supplements are either ferric or ferrous. Ferrous supplements are better absorbed by the body, but one should also know the amount of elemental iron in each type. Elemental iron is simply the amount of iron in the pill available for absorption. Ferrous fumarate contains 33% elemental iron, while ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate contain only 20% and 12% respectively.
2. Know the side effects.
The most common side effect or iron supplements is black stool, which is fairly harmless. Liquid supplements may also cause yellowing of the teeth, but the effect is reversible and can be avoided by administering through a straw. Intramuscular injections can cause considerable pain and brown discoloration of the injected area. Other common side effects are diarrhea, obstipation (severe constipation), and epigastric abdominal discomfort.
3. Consult your doctor.
Consult your doctor before taking iron supplements, especially if you are taking other medications or have conditions that affect your medication needs. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, heart disease, asthma, or allergies. If you suspect you have anemia, have a proper blood analysis to make sure it is caused by iron deficiency and not some other condition.
4. Take absorption aids.
To better absorb iron, take nutritional iron supplements along with copper and vitamins A, B complex, and C. Avoid taking antacids and high amounts of vitamin E and zinc, as these can slow down iron absorption.
IMPORTANT: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not strictly regulate dietary supplements, and many supplements do not contain exactly what their labels say. To stay safe, choose nutritional iron supplements that are GMP-compliant to make sure they do not include harmful additives, such as silica, starch, sugar, and gluten.
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