Side Effects of Iron Supplements

Introduction:

Individuals have prescribed iron supplements only when there is an iron deficiency state secondary to the conditions like iron deficiency anemia, nutritional anemia, malabsorption, iron deficiency without anemia, blood loss, or an increase in the state of need in iron stores. Because it is an essential mineral for general health, low iron levels caused by anemia can be treated by eating iron-rich foods.to rebuild iron stores in the body, individuals should take iron supplements.

Capsules, tablets, chewable tablets, and liquids are the iron supplements people usually take. Generally, the size of a common tablet will be 325 mg (ferrous sulfate). Ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate are the other common chemical names. More iron taken by an individual will sometimes cause serious medical problems. So everyone should take help from the health care provider about how much and how many times one can take the pill daily. After two months of iron therapy, most people's blood count returns to normal.to build iron stores in the bone marrow, individuals should continue to take supplements for another 6 to 12 months.

When Do Individuals Require Iron Supplements?

• Low levels of iron in an individual body can be prevented and treated with the help of iron supplements, which helps to increase the amount of iron stored in the individual body.

• Generally, through a healthy and balanced diet, the amount of iron is sufficient for most people. But few people need supplementation like:

1. People who need high iron requirements, like pregnant women and teenage girls.

2. People with renal failure and gut problems have trouble absorbing iron normally, which leads to malabsorption.

3. In certain conditions like menorrhagia, in which the women have severe blood loss or anyone with ongoing or excessive blood loss.

4. And also, few babies require iron supplements.

• Doctors or pharmacists will recommend individuals take iron supplements through the mouth, called oral iron supplements when they have low iron levels in their blood.

• Individuals can take the iron supplements injections if they cannot tolerate it or if oral iron supplements are ineffective.

• In certain rare conditions like hemochromatosis, people should not take iron supplements because there will be too much iron buildup in the body. This excess iron in the body will cause damage to the other organs.

What Are the Types of Iron Supplements?

• Individuals can take iron supplements without a prescription or buy them without a prescription from pharmacies, health stores, or the Internet.

• New Zealand has different iron supplements, like ferrous sulfate and ferrous fumarate.

• Solid iron is known as elemental iron, which is present in different compositions in all iron supplements.

• 100 to 200 mg of oral elemental iron is used to treat iron deficiency daily.

• And to prevent iron deficiency anemia, a lower dose is given to the individuals.

• Iron supplements do not have any particular advantage of one type over another. until unless individuals receive enough supplements. So the risk of side effects and cost depends on the choice of medicine made by an individual.

How Does an Individual Use Iron Supplements?

1. People on an Empty Stomach Can Take Supplements:

The best way to take Iron supplements by an individual is on an empty stomach (usually two hours after meals or one hour before food). But, they can take the medication with food if an individual gets an upset stomach or feels sick (queasy) or can be taken with food.

2. Foods and Beverages Interact With Iron:

The effectiveness of supplements can be decreased by having dairy products (milk), tea, coffee, or antacids within two hours before or after this medication should be avoided.

3. Along With Iron Supplements, Vitamin C Is Also Added:

Vitamin C intake can increase absorption capacity along with iron supplements. But to support this, there is very little evidence.

4. An Individual Gut Can Be Irritated by Taking Tablets or Capsules:

Iron tablets or capsules must be taken with a full glass of water. And after taking the dose, one should not lie down for at least 10 minutes.

5. Individuals Should Swallow Extended-Release Tablets Whole:

Individuals should not crush or chew the extended-release tablets. There is an increase in the risk of side effects due to the release of all medications from tablets at once.

6. Individuals Should Carefully Measure Their Dose Levels:

If adults are taking the liquid form of dose, one should carefully check the dosage levels using a special measuring device or spoon. One cannot use household spoons because they will not give the correct dosage.

7. The Teeth of an Individual Can Get Stains by Using Liquid Forms:

Temporary discoloration of teeth is seen on the teeth of an individual by using a liquid form. One can prevent this staining on teeth by placing the liquid on the back of the tongue with a dropper, and after each dose, one should brush their teeth using a straw.

8. It Is Not Harmful if People Miss a Dose of Their Iron Supplement:

If an individual misses a dose, then take the next dose at the right time. And do not take double the dose.

Storage:

People should be careful to keep iron supplements away from the sight of children because an overdose recommended leads to death. It means children can have the iron supplements recommended by their doctor will not cause any harm but if they take more than this shows bad results

What Are the Side Effects of Iron Supplements?

More Common Symptoms Seen in Individuals:

• Fast heartbeat.

• Fever with increased sweating.

• Flushing.

• Fainting.

• Metallic taste.

• Headache.

• Chest pain.

• Chills.

• Backache or muscle pain.

• Redness of the skin.

• Skin rash or hives.

• At the injection site, there is pain and redness.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Tingling of hands or feet, pain, and numbness.

• Breathing trouble.

• Swelling of mouth or throat.

• And dizziness.

The most common symptoms were abdominal or stomach pain, cramping, or soreness.

Less Common or Rare Symptoms Include:

• Without feeling dizzy or faint, an individual shows weakness.

• General unwell feeling.

• And double vision.

• Stools with stains of blood.

• Especially during swallowing, chest or throat pain is seen.

What Are the Side Effects of Iron Supplements and Their Remedies?

• Black or Dark-Colored Stools - Intake of iron supplements can make individuals look darker in color. It is a common and usual thing that one should not worry about because it can be a sign of bleeding. So talk to a doctor immediately.

• Nausea or Feeling Sick - People should take iron supplements along with food. And take help from a doctor or pharmacist if it is troublesome.

• Constipation - It is a temporary side effect that settles down after some time. An individual can ask any help from the doctor or pharmacist if it is a troublesome matter. Then they need to take it regularly from the suggestion of the doctor recommending a low dose. One should drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods like brown bread, bran-based breakfast cereals, and vegetable.

• Diarrhea or Loose Stools - This is a temporary side effect that settles down after some time. Different iron preparation or lower dose can be suggested by the doctor or pharmacist if it shows any trouble. Firstly without discussing it with a doctor, one should not reduce the dose.

Conclusion:

The iron supplement dosage needed by people will vary depending on the usage to treat or prevent low iron levels. Usually, per day one to three doses are prescribed to needy people. One should always take iron supplements based on the doctor's advice. The amount, the number of times, and any special instructions are clearly described on the pharmacy label. If there are any doubts regarding medication dosage, individuals should talk to their doctor or pharmacist about this. The body's iron levels will help determine the length of the treatment period. The doctor will prescribe iron supplements when people are diagnosed with iron deficiency by running a blood test. After a few weeks of taking iron supplements, individuals should undergo another blood test to check iron levels. People must continue these supplements for at least three months if it shows normal. It will help to build iron stores in the body.