Who Needs an Iron Supplement

The most common users of an iron supplement are women.  A woman’s iron needs are greater than a man’s, especially during menstruation and in the later years resulting in a need for an iron supplement.

Anyone whose daily intake of iron is below the RDA may need an iron supplement.  More often, vegetarians need an iron supplement because of an imbalance in the foods they eat.

Anemic people need an iron supplement, and the cause of the anemia can be a serious deficiency in iron intake.  Additionally, a person who gives blood may suffer from a temporary iron shortage and need an iron supplement.

Indications of a Needed Iron Supplement

Signs of iron depletion that warrant an iron supplement may include:

* More susceptibility to colds or flu

* Dry and lifeless hair

* Thin and brittle nails

* Poor memory or concentration levels

* Pale skin

* Heavy blood loss during menstruation

* Low energy and exhaustion

The person in need of an iron supplement may experience an inability to perform the tasks that are relatively easy for a normal person, and concentration for long periods may not be possible.  As with any medication or supplement, consult a physician if you suspect you need an iron supplement.

Iron Supplement Dosage

The amount of an iron supplement is based on the need of the individual, not the age or weight, even though they do have some relevance to the quantity.  The following are averages of daily recommended allowances and are not intended to be the exact dosage for any iron supplement.

Iron Supplement for Males and Females:

6 months or less – 6 mg

6 months to a year – 10 mg

One year to 10 years – 10 mg

Iron Supplement Females:

10 years to 50 years – 15 mg

Older than 50 years – 10 mg

Pregnant, any age – 30 mg

Lactating – 15 mg

Iron Supplement Males:

10 years to 18 years – 12 mg

Over 18 years – 10 mg

Because some iron is absorbed by the body from foods, an iron supplement may be too much if a large amount is taken.  Dietary Reference Intakes list the Tolerable Upper Intake Level as 45 mg per day for adults.  Children who are under 14 should not have more than 40 mg per day.

Iron Supplement Overdose

An overdose of an iron supplement can be deadly under the right conditions.  Three grams of iron can be lethal for a child of age two.  An adult can also overdose on an iron supplement if care is not taken to control the intake.

Free radicals are produced when an iron supplement is taken to the extreme.  Aside from the damage that free radicals can cause, an overdose of an iron supplement can cause a number of disorders.

The body can store an excess iron supplement, but if for a long duration, polycythemia, hemosiderosis, hemochromatosis, and iron related anemia can result.  Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are two conditions that can follow an overdose of an iron supplement.

When to Use an Iron Supplement

An iron supplement is used to remedy iron deficiency.  The iron deficiency begins slowly when the daily intake of iron is less than the required amount.  An iron supplement is designed to help build back the bodily amounts to safe proportions.  Symptoms of the need for an iron supplement include:

* A decrease in physical performance or an inability to perform normal activities

* Constant physical and mental tiredness

* Learning problems in adults and children

* Inability to breathe easily or shortness of breath

Anaemia and an Iron Supplement

Blood donors often experience a severe drop in iron, and it is often recommended for them to use an iron supplement for a limited time after giving blood.  Significantly, low iron can lead to anaemia and an iron supplement may be needed to build back red blood cells.

The most common symptoms of anaemia are fatigue and weakness.  An iron supplement may be needed if the deficiency is iron depletion or iron deficiency anaemia.  Iron depletion is not always recognizable and there is no great harm done to the body.  Still an iron supplement can return the balance to normal.

Iron deficiency anaemia can affect numerous organs.  This is a condition where the body has no stored iron without the use of an iron supplement.  An emergency or accident when iron is needed because of blood loss can be dangerous without an iron supplement to make up the difference.

Iron deficiencies in men or women can be related to extensive bleeding caused from stomach ulcers or cancer of the colon.  An iron supplement is vital in cases like these.

If an iron supplement produces too much iron, it is stored in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver for use as needed.

Iron Supplement Side Effects

The more common side effects of an iron supplement are:

* Stomach discomfort, upset, or nausea

* Heartburn

* Constipation or diarrhea

An iron supplement taken by mouth can lead to dark green stools, but this is not harmful.  The iron supplement when unabsorbed is responsible for the change in bowel color.

Iron Supplement Precautions

An iron supplement should not be taken with calcium supplements or antacids.  If you must take both supplements, you should space dosages 1 to 2 hours apart.

Overdosing on a dietary iron supplement produces toxicity because of a reaction between ferrous iron and bodily peroxides.  This can lead to the production of free radicals.  Excessive consumption of an iron supplement can lead to damage of the intestines and can cause diarrhea or vomiting.

Three grams of iron in a two year old is lethal, and one gram can induce severe poisoning.  Overdosing of iron is reported to be the highest cause of death in children through unintentional ingestion.

Constipation from an Iron Supplement

One of the first symptoms of too much of an iron supplement is constipation.  This is not an indication of a severe overdose of an iron supplement, but it is the beginning of worse problems if the misuse of the iron supplement is not stopped.

Iron is a metal that is required to regulate a healthy human body.  Iron in required for the body to carry oxygen and is required for cell growth.

Humans normally obtain iron through their diet, primarily through meat. Iron can also be found in vegetables but it is a different type of iron that what is found in meat.   In fact, you will often individuals who are strictly on a vegetarian or vegan diet with inadequate levels of iron in their systems.

Lean red meat has the highest levels of iron.  Chicken, turkey, and fish also have iron but in a lesser amount than the lean red meat.   Other foods that are rich in iron include: pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, soybeans, prune juice, and fortified dry cereals.

Many people unknowing suffer from an iron deficiency.  This iron deficiency is referred to as anemia.  Anemia is often found in teenagers and young adults. Anemia is one of the leading causes of fatigue for women, especially for women who are of childbearing years due to iron loss while menstruating.  Women that are pregnant are often prescribed an iron supplement by their doctor because iron is important for proper fetal development.

If you are not getting enough iron through your diet, then it is recommended that you take an iron supplement.   Common brand names of iron supplements are: Elite Iron, Feosol, Fergon, Femiron, Ferrex 150, Hemocyte, Fer-in-Sol, Palafer, and PMS-Ferrous Sulfate.

Suggested Dose

Iron supplements are available in the following forms: liquid, tablet, chewable tablet and capsule.

The recommended dietary allowance or iron is as follows:

Children (male and female under the age of 6 months)  – 6 mg

Children (male and female from 6 months to 10 years) – 10 mg

Males (11 to 18 years of age) – 12 mg

Males (19 years+) – 10 mg

Females (11 to 50 years of age) – 15 mg

Females (51 years of age+) – 10 mg

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding require a large dose of iron as recommended by a medical professional.

Iron supplements can be purchased at your local pharmacy, grocery, or from an online pharmacy.

Health Information

Side effects associated with iron supplements include: vomiting, nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.

It is recommended that iron supplements be taken on a full stomach and accompanied by Vitamin C-rich foods such as fruit or fruit juice in order to maximize the absorption of the supplement.

Talk with your doctor to determine if you need to take an iron supplement and the dosage of iron supplement they recommend.  Too much iron in the body can result in kidney failure, heart problems,  and even death.

An iron deficiency can be caused by an underlying medical problem such as intestinal disease, stomach problems, or as a result of medication.

Safety Information

As when taking any medication or supplement, always read the label and take only as directed. Talk with your medical professional before taking an iron supplement if you are taking prescription medication in order to reduce the risk of drug interaction. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual side effects.