The Side Effects Of Iron Supplements
Iron supplements are indicated for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. They are also used in some situations in which the body demands higher concentrations of this mineral, such as childhood and pregnancy.
In the case of anemia, treatment is not only based on the intake of iron supplements. It is usually combined with a diet rich in iron and, in some more severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.
Types of iron supplements
Iron in its elemental form is an unstable metal that rusts easily. For this reason, it is generally found in the form of complexes, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate, that make iron more stable.
All supplements contain the same type of iron; what can vary is how they are absorbed or interact with food. In addition, some iron supplements can have more side effects than others, mainly at the gastrointestinal level.
The best known supplement is ferrous sulfate, which must be taken on an empty stomach, so it can cause side effects, such as nausea and heartburn.
However, there are other iron supplements that can be taken with meals. In these, iron is formulated in such a way that it does not interact with food and other substances. For this reason, it is more bioavailable and with fewer side effects.
There are also iron supplements in which it is associated with other substances such as folic acid and vitamin B12. Despite the doses being 325 milligrams for all three, ferrous fumarate has a higher availability (33%).
How do these supplements work?
The body is only able to absorb a quantity of iron instantly. Therefore, it is recommended to take several times a day, instead of a single dose. In this way, it also favors the assimilation of iron.
Iron is better assimilated on an empty stomach, so it is advisable to take it 1 hour before eating. It is very important that iron does not interact with other medications, therefore, it should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking another drug, especially if they are supplements with calcium, zinc or folic acid.
For greater absorption, take the iron with a glass of orange or tomato juice, as they have vitamin C and helps its assimilation. Although there are several causes of anemia, it is often the result of sustained iron deficiency.
The general practice for the prevention or treatment of anemia in women is daily iron supplementation, although it is sometimes combined with folic acid, other vitamins and minerals for three months.
However, taking iron supplements daily is often associated with side effects such as nausea or constipation. Therefore, its administration once, two or three times a week has been proposed as an effective and safer option than daily doses of the supplement.
Possible side effects of iron supplements
Side effects vary depending on the type of iron complex used, the most common being:
- Heartburn and heartburn.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Metallic flavor in the mouth.
- Feeling of full stomach
- Dark stools
- Diarrhea or constipation
Nausea and gastric discomfort may increase with the dose of iron complexes. These discomforts usually appear 30 to 60 minutes after taking them. However, they can disappear after the first 3 days of treatment.
To reduce constipation caused by the drug, healthy habits should be adopted such as increasing the consumption of fibers present in fruits and vegetables and doing physical activity on a regular basis.
Try to take iron complexes with meals whenever possible. In addition, some iron supplements may contain folic acid and vitamin B12, which also help fight anemia.
It is recommended to take iron supplements only when directed by your doctor. Although the iron deficit stabilizes in two months, the body takes between 6 months and a year to recover.
