Iron Supplement

About

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.