Check your blood content on a routine basis if taking an iron supplement to avoid overdosing

Prescribing an iron supplement is the most common way to decrease symptoms of anemia. Iron is needed by the body to make red blood cells. Iron deficiency occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to make enough red blood cells to keep you healthy. Three basic kinds of iron supplements are prescribed to help those suffering from iron deficiency: ferrous sulphate, ferrous gluconate and ferrous fumarate.

Ferrous sulphate is the most common form of iron in supplements. Ferrous sulphate is absorbed relatively well by the body but is known to cause digestive problems such as constipation, nausea and bloating.

Ferrous gluconate has similar side effects to those found in taking ferrous sulphate. These side effects include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, constipation and temporary staining of teeth. These side effects however, are less acute and affect less people than ferrous sulphate. Ferrous fumarate is very similar to ferrous gluconate.

Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, can cause unusual fatigue, learning problems, shortness of breath and increased infections. To combat these problems iron needs to be increased in the body. If you have these symptoms always consult with your Doctor and get a blood test to determine your blood iron level before taking supplements.

There are numerous forms of iron supplements. It comes as a tablet, chewable or liquid iron. Tablets should be taken with a full glass of water. Chewable forms should be chewed completely before swallowing. Liquid iron should be shaken and then mixed with water or other beverage.

Iron overdose side effects

Getting too much iron is probably even worse than not having enough. High levels have been linked to increased risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Huntington’s disease. Iron supplementation is also known to decrease the absorption of other medications so be sure that any doctor prescribing medication knows that you are also taking iron supplements.

Overdosing on iron supplements is a very real danger. Iron poisoning is the most common accidental poisoning in children and has caused numerous deaths. Overdoses can be fatal and include these symptoms:

• decreased energy
• vomiting
• fever
• coma
• weak rapid pulse
• seizures

The recommended RDA is 10 mg a day for men of all ages and women older than 50. For women under age 50 the RDA increases to 15 mg a day, pregnant women 30 mg a day. Excess iron can build up in your tissues over many years. Therefore, before taking any iron supplements have a doctor measure the iron content in your blood to determine if you have sufficient levels.

Learn more about health supplements and the benefits they may have on your health.