When Should You Take Iron Supplements?

Iron supplements are ideal for people whose diets do not provide this mineral. However, who needs them? Is it something that should be consumed frequently? In this article, you will find out when you need to take iron supplements.

Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Lack of iron could lead to serious health complications. Read on to find out more about this interesting topic!

Causes of iron deficiency

It is difficult for the body to transport oxygen to the tissues when iron levels in the blood fall. For this reason, the main symptoms of this deficiency are weakness, fatigue, headache, pallor and cold hands and feet. These manifestations may indicate the presence of anemia.

The work capacity and motor activity of the body decrease as a result of this deficit. The functioning of the immune system is affected and thus increases the risk of disease. Also, low levels of this mineral have a high impact on the metabolism of vitamin A in the liver.

When should you take iron supplements?

Fortunately, iron supplements can prevent or treat these complications. They should be part of a balanced diet to get better results.

According to several studies, some population groups have high requirements for this mineral. It can be a consequence of a poor diet or stages of human development associated with anemia, such as:

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Pregnant women need more iron for themselves and their children. There is an increased risk of anemia if iron deficiency during pregnancy is high. Also, if the baby is underweight at birth, was born prematurely, or has low red blood cells, the mother is more likely to have an iron deficiency.

The World Health Organization states that over 40% of pregnant women in the world have anemia. Therefore, almost half of this population group suffers from iron deficiency.

Pregnant and lactating women should talk to their doctor about the ideal supplement to prevent anemia. Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements in the form of drops or tablets. Severe cases will require injecting iron, especially if the pregnant woman suffers from uncontrollable vomiting.

Babies and children

Ovulation women and adolescents

Some women of reproductive age are prone to deficiencies of this nutrient. Generally, this occurs as a result of heavy menstrual bleeding. Thus, iron loss is higher than in other people.

In addition, adolescents have an increased need for iron due to the stage of development, a need that is exacerbated by heavy menstruation. Metrorrhagia in young women is a common cause of anemia.

Things to consider when using iron supplements

Iron supplements are available in the form of capsules, tablets, chewable tablets and liquids. Ferrous sulphate is the most commonly used, but there are other chemical formulas, such as gluconate and fumarate.

It is important to note that iron supplements are better absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. However, their ingestion can lead to stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea. Therefore, eat them with a small amount of food to prevent these problems.

In addition, calcium and antacids interfere with iron absorption, so you must wait at least two hours before consuming milk, cheese, raw vegetables, caffeine and medicines. In contrast, foods that contain vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and kiwis, can promote more efficient absorption of iron.

Routine blood testing is recommended to confirm iron deficiency. This method determines the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin values. It is also possible to measure blood iron levels and transport proteins if necessary.

Do you need to take iron supplements?

These drugs are an effective strategy for increasing body reserves, but their use is not recommended in any situation. Ingestion of any substance that is not prescribed by a doctor is contraindicated, because the excess leads to health complications.

In addition, it is best to follow a well-balanced diet rich in iron. Remember that supplements are not magical and are not the only strategy against anemia. Also, a decrease in the level of red blood cells does not always occur due to a lack of iron.