Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common types of anemia, caused by iron deficiency that can occur due to low intake of iron-containing foods, iron loss in the blood, or low absorption of this metal by the body.
In these cases, it is necessary to replace iron with a supplement and a diet rich in iron and it is only in the most severe cases that a blood transfusion is necessary.
- The recommended dose of iron supplements and the duration of treatment vary depending on the age and severity of anemia.
- But generally the recommended dose of elemental iron is:.
Ideally, the iron supplement should be taken with a citrus fruit, such as orange, pineapple or tangerine, to improve iron absorption.
To cure iron deficiency anemia, it takes at least 3 months of iron supplements, until the body’s iron reserves are restored. Therefore, a new blood test is recommended 3 months after the start of treatment.
Elemental iron is an unstable metal that oxidizes easily and is therefore usually found in the form of complexes such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate or iron hydroxide, for example, which make iron more stable. In addition, you can also find some supplements included in liposomes, which are a kind of capsules formed by a lipid bilayer, which prevent it from reacting with other substances.
They all contain the same type of iron, however, they can have a different bioavailability, meaning they are absorbed or interacted differently with food. In addition, some complexes may have more side effects than others, especially at the gastrointestinal level.
Oral iron supplements are available in different doses, tablets or in solution and, depending on the dosage, you may need a prescription to obtain them, however, you should always speak with your doctor before deciding to take an iron supplement, to choose the most suitable for each situation.
The most well-known supplement is ferrous sulfate, which should be taken fasting because it interacts with certain foods and can cause side effects such as nausea and acidity, but there are others that can be taken with meals, such as ferrous gluconate. . , in which iron is attached to two amino acids that prevent it from reacting with food and other substances, making it more bioavailable and with fewer side effects.
There are also supplements that contain iron associated with other substances such as folic acid and vitamin B12, which are also very important vitamins for combating anemia.
Side effects vary depending on the type of iron complex used, the most common being:
Nausea and upset stomach may increase with the dose of the drug and usually occur 30 to 60 minutes after taking the supplement, but may disappear after the first 3 days of treatment.
To reduce constipation caused by medication, increase fiber intake in fruits and vegetables, perform physical activity, and, if possible, supplement with meals. See What to do to combat constipation.
Iron supplements most commonly used to fight anemia are ferrous sulfate, Noripurum, Hemo-Ferr and Neutrofer, which in addition to iron may contain folic acid and vitamin B12, which also help fight anemia.
Iron supplementation varies depending on the age and severity of anemia, and should be performed according to medical advice. Iron supplement use usually causes problems such as heartburn, nausea and constipation, but can be mitigated with simple strategies.