What Are The Side Effects Of Taking Iron Supplements?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take iron supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm .

What happens when you start taking iron supplements?

Iron supplements can cause side effects, usually stomach upset such as nausea, vomiting , diarrhea, dark stools, or constipation. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to constipation. Adding extra fiber to your diet can help relieve this symptom. A stool softener may also make you feel better.

Is it OK to take an iron supplement every day?

Most people should be able to get all the iron they need by eating a varied and balanced diet. If you take iron supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm .

Is there any downside to taking iron supplements?

When taken by mouth: Iron is LIKELY SAFE for most people when it is taken by mouth in appropriate amounts. It can cause side effects such as stomach upset and pain, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Taking iron supplements with food seems to reduce some of these side effects.

What are the side effects of oral iron supplements?

  • Dark stools.
  • Upset stomach.
  • Constipation (you may need to take a stool softener)
  • Heartburn.

Does iron cause weight gain?

A significant rate of the patients that discontinuing the treatment complained of weight gain during treatment in our clinical practise, despite, oral iron preparations are not known to have such a side effect in adults .

Does black poop mean iron tablets are working?

Taking will turn the stool a dark , almost black color (actually dark green). This is normal, and does not mean that the iron tablets are causing intestinal bleeding.

What drink is high in iron?

Prune juice is made from dried plums, or prunes, which contain many nutrients that can contribute to good health. Prunes are a good source of energy, and they don't cause a rapid hike in blood sugar levels. Half cup of prune juice contains 3 mg or 17 per cent iron.

When should I take iron morning or night?

As a rule, people that take an iron supplement should take it in the morning , on an empty stomach, with water or a drink containing vitamin C. And for those who have a sensitive stomach, their best bet is to take their iron right after a meal.

What is highest in iron?

  1. Shellfish. Shellfish is tasty and nutritious. ...
  2. Spinach. Share on Pinterest. ...
  3. Liver and other organ meats. Share on Pinterest. ...
  4. Legumes. Share on Pinterest. ...
  5. Red meat. Share on Pinterest. ...
  6. Pumpkin seeds. Share on Pinterest. ...
  7. Quinoa. Share on Pinterest. ...
  8. Turkey. Share on Pinterest.

Which iron pills are easy on stomach?

Taking iron in liquid form can be easier on the stomach. Floradix is an easily absorbable, plant-based, liquid iron supplement containing organic iron in addition to herb extracts, fruit juices, and vitamins C and B complex.

Can I take iron with banana?

Total amount of absorbed iron is similar between cooked and raw bananas. The banana matrix does not affect iron absorption and is therefore a potential effective target for genetic modification for iron biofortification.

Do iron pills make you poop alot?

But be warned: Iron supplements can cause constipation, nausea, vomiting , diarrhea, heartburn, and dark-colored poop. Your symptoms should start to go away after about a week. Your doctor will check your blood to see if your anemia has improved.

How long should you take iron?

– It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks of taking regular iron supplements before your symptoms start to improve. – You may need to keep taking iron for several months to build up your iron reserves and keep your anemia from returning. Take your pills for as long as your doctor recommends, even if your symptoms have improved.

What are the benefits of taking iron pills?

Iron supplements can help reverse low iron levels or treat iron deficiency anemia . They can produce results quicker than diet interventions and are often considered the treatment method of choice.

Why am I still tired after taking iron pills?

If you continue to experience the effects of suboptimal iron levels such as tiredness and fatigue, it may be a sign that your iron supplements are not working (4). One of the key reasons your iron supplement may not be working is because you are not taking it regularly or have stopped the course.

Emily Lee
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Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.