People may experience a mild, moderate, or severe HSR:. The dosage for iron supplements varies from person to person. Talk with your doctor about how much you need to take. Your doctor may recommend a daily dosing regimen. However, some research suggests taking iron once every other day may also be effective and has better absorption. Talk with your doctor about which dosing strategy is best for you. Certain foods like dairy, eggs, spinach, whole grains, and caffeine can block iron absorption.
Try to avoid having these foods at least 1 hour before and after you take your supplements. You should also take antacids and calcium supplements at least 1 hour apart from your iron. If you have iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend supplements at a much higher dose than the recommended daily allowance RDA.
However, if your iron stores are low, eating just this amount may not be enough. Heme iron is easier for the body to absorb than non-heme, although both types can be part of a balanced diet. Some foods high in iron, such as spinach, also have components that make it hard for the body to absorb. Vitamin C can help to increase non-heme iron absorption. This extra demand increases the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia. If left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can cause pregnancy complications like premature birth, low baby weight, and postpartum hemorrhage.
Some other factors that increase the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy include:. It can sometimes be hard for pregnant people to tell if they have iron deficiency anemia. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your health care provider. If you start with one iron supplement and find that it causes stomach upset or constipation, do not stop taking iron.
Switch to a different formulation. You should ask the Pharmacist to assist you to find the iron supplement of your choice since some of the products are kept behind the counter. If you find you cannot tolerate any of the iron supplements, please contact your healthcare provider.
Your doctor may recommend an iron injection intravenous iron. Iron injections are a safe and effective alternative when oral iron does not work or cannot be tolerated, or where there is a need to fully replace iron as quickly as possible because of symptoms or an upcoming surgery. Your health care provider will let you know how long you will have to take the iron supplement.
Usually, after your hemoglobin and iron levels are back to normal, you will continue to take the iron supplement for another six months. Afterward, you will have regular blood tests to measure your iron. Download PDF. Introduction If you are diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend that you increase your iron intake. What is Iron?
Please note the following: Iron tablets usually should not be taken with food. Milk, caffeine, antacids, calcium supplements and certain antibiotics can decrease the amount of iron that is absorbed.
Iron should be taken one hour before or two hours after these items. If you take antacids, your iron tablets should be taken two hours before or four hours after the antacids.
Iron tablets are best absorbed in an acidic environment. Try to take your iron supplement with vitamin C , such as a glass of orange juice or with one mg vitamin C tablet to increase absorption.
When Will I Feel Better? Oral iron supplements can cause the following side effects: Dark stools Upset stomach Constipation you may need to take a stool softener Heartburn If you start with one iron supplement and find that it causes stomach upset or constipation, do not stop taking iron.
References National Institute of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Iron. Cancelo-Hidalgo MJ et al. Tolerability of different oral iron supplements: a systematic review. Moretti D et al Oral iron supplements increase hepcidin and decrease iron absorption from daily or twice-daily doses in iron depleted young women.
Blood ; 17 If you do not get enough iron, your body makes fewer and smaller red blood cells. As a result, your body's cells may not get enough oxygen. Adult men need 8 milligrams of iron a day; adult women need 18 milligrams of iron a day. After menopause, women need 8 milligrams of iron a day. A pregnant woman needs 27 milligrams of iron a day. Infants and young children have higher iron needs relative to their size than other age groups.
People who have lost blood because of ulcers or heavy menstrual periods may become very low in iron and may develop anemia. Most people can get the iron their bodies need by eating enough of certain iron-rich foods. Your doctor may recommend that you take an iron supplement along with eating an iron-rich diet.
Iron deficiency anemia develops slowly, and the symptoms may be mild. Mild anemia may not cause noticeable symptoms. If anemia is severe, symptoms may include:. Babies and small children who have anemia may:. Or you may get headaches. Your doctor will try to find the cause of the anemia and treat that problem. Most people start to feel better after treatment begins. Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and past health. Your doctor may ask about:.
Your doctor will recommend tests to check for low iron levels and anemia. They can help find the cause of anemia. Tests include:. To treat iron deficiency anemia, your doctor will look for the cause of the anemia and treat that problem.
Most people start to feel better after a few days of taking iron pills. But don't stop taking them, even if you feel better.
You'll need to keep taking the pills for several months to build up the iron in your body. If you think you have anemia, don't try to treat yourself.
Don't take iron pills on your own without seeing your doctor first. If you do, the pills may cause you to have too much iron in your blood, or even iron poisoning. You may need to get iron through an IV if you have problems with the iron pills. If your anemia is severe, your doctor may give you a blood transfusion. If you have iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may suggest taking iron supplement pills.
Taking iron pills and getting enough iron in your food will correct most cases of iron deficiency anemia. Here are some things you need to know when treating this condition. You may feel better after a few days of taking iron pills. But don't stop taking the pills. You'll need to keep taking them for several months to build up your iron stores.
Iron is absorbed best if you take it on an empty stomach. But in some people, iron supplements can cause problems such as stomach discomfort and constipation. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. Rhoads MD - Internal Medicine. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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