Iron Supplements – When And Why Should You Take Them?

Iron supplements are an ideal solution for all those people whose diet does not provide them with adequate amounts of this mineral. But who really needs them? Are n’t iron supplements something you need to take frequently, too?

Iron is essential for the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells. Therefore, its deficiency can lead to various types of health complications. If you decide to spend a moment reading, you will be able to learn more about it.

The causes of iron deficiency

Iron supplements help increase the level of this element in our body. But who should be taking them and what should be expected of them? Please take a moment to read our today’s article to find out.

Our body has a hard time delivering oxygen to our tissues when iron levels in the blood drop. For this reason, the main symptoms of this deficiency are weakness, fatigue, headache, paleness and a feeling of coldness in the hands, among others. Thus, these symptoms could indicate the possible presence of anemia.

Note that as a consequence of this iron deficiency, your working capacity and your body’s motor activity decrease. All of this also negatively affects the effectiveness of your immune system and therefore increases your risk of disease. Also, a low level of this mineral causes a lack of vitamin A accumulation in the liver.

Iron-containing foods can help counter the risk of anemia, but sometimes the daily amounts consumed are simply inadequate.

When should you take iron supplements?

Fortunately, iron supplements can prevent or treat these complications once they occur. For best results, they should be part of a well-balanced diet.

According to several studies, some population groups have an increased need for this mineral. This may be a consequence of, for example, poor diet or stages of human development that increase the risk of anemia, such as:

pregnancy

Pregnant women need more iron for themselves and their babies. There is also an increased risk of anemia if iron deficiency during pregnancy is severe. Also, if your baby is low birth weight, was born prematurely, or had low red blood cell counts earlier.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 40% of pregnant women worldwide have anemia. This may indicate that half of this population is iron deficient.

Therefore, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor about obtaining the perfect dietary supplement that will prevent this problem. Doctors may prescribe it, for example, in the form of drops or tablets.

Severe cases of anemia will require the administration of appropriate drugs in the form of injections, especially if the pregnant woman experiences uncontrolled vomiting.

Babies and toddlers

Iron deficiency can cause delays in psychological development, social isolation, and a reduced ability to pay attention to the surrounding environment. Term infants can also become deficient in iron if the mother does not include adequate amounts of iron-containing foods in the baby’s diet.

Women and teens during menstruation

Some women of childbearing age are prone to deficiencies in this nutrient. It is generally caused by heavy menstrual bleeding. Therefore, the loss of iron is greater in this case than in other people.

In addition, adolescents have increased demands due to their developmental state, which worsens in severe periods. Uterine haemorrhage in young women who enter their period is a common cause of anemia.

Regular blood donors

These people are prone to iron deficiency, but can prevent it by observing the optimal timeframe between donating one blood and the next.

Anemia caused by chronic disease

Chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and some types of cancer can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and use iron, according to several studies. Therefore, people with these conditions are often deficient in this mineral.

Things to consider before taking iron supplements

Iron supplements are available as capsules, tablets, chewable candies, and liquids. Ferrous sulfate (iron II sulfate) is most common, but other chemical forms such as iron (II) gluconate and fumarate also exist.

Remember that iron supplements are better absorbed when you take them on an empty stomach. However, their consumption can also lead to stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhea. Therefore, take them along with a small amount of food to prevent these problems.

In addition, calcium and antacids interfere with their absorption. Therefore, wait at least two hours before consuming milk, cheese, raw vegetables, caffeine, and other medications. Conversely, all kinds of foods that contain vitamin C, such as citrus and kiwi fruit, can promote iron absorption more efficiently.

We also recommend routine blood tests to make sure you are actually deficient in iron. This method determines the exact number of red blood cells and hemoglobin values. If necessary, the concentration of iron and transport proteins in the blood can also be measured.

Iron supplements should always be prescribed by your doctor as they are not always helpful in all cases.

Should You Take Iron Supplements?

These specifics are an effective strategy for increasing the body’s reserves, but their use is not suitable for everyone. It should be remembered that the consumption of any substance not prescribed by a doctor is definitely not recommended, because its excess in the body can also lead to complications.

In addition, it’s best to follow a well-balanced diet rich in iron. Remember that iron supplements are not a magic remedy, nor are they the only strategy against anemia. Likewise, a drop in red blood cells is not always due to a lack of iron.