Side Effects Of Iron Supplements

Do you know the main side effects of iron supplements? They are indicated for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. They are also used in some situations where the body requires higher concentrations of this mineral, such as during childhood and pregnancy.

In the case of anemia, treatment is not just based on taking iron supplements. They are usually combined with an iron-rich diet, and in some more severe cases a blood transfusion may be necessary.

Types of Iron Supplements

Iron in its elemental form is an unstable metal that rusts easily. For this reason, it is usually found in the form of complexes such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate and ferrous gluconate, which make it more stable.

All supplements contain the same type of iron; what may vary is how they are absorbed or how they interact with food. Also, some iron supplements may have more side effects than others, particularly in the gastrointestinal system.

The best known supplement is ferrous sulfate, which should be taken on an empty stomach. This can cause side effects like nausea and heartburn.

However, there are other iron supplements that can be taken with meals. In these, iron is prepared so that it does not interact with food and other substances. For this reason, it is more bioavailable and has fewer side effects.

There are also iron supplements associated with other substances, such as folic acid and vitamin B12. Despite the doses being 325 mg for all three, ferrous fumarate is more widely available (33%).

How do these iron supplements work?

Our bodies are only able to absorb a certain amount of iron instantly. Therefore, it is recommended to divide it into several daily doses and not take it once. In this way, its assimilation will also be easier.

Iron is best assimilated on an empty stomach, so it is advisable to take it 1 hour before meals. It is very important that iron does not interact with other medications;  therefore, it should be taken at least 2 hours before or after taking another medication, especially if they are calcium, zinc, or folic acid supplements.

For greater absorption, take the iron together with a glass of orange or tomato juice, as they have vitamin C and facilitate its assimilation. Although there are several causes of anemia, it is usually the result of sustained iron deficiency.

The widespread practice for preventing or treating anemia in women is to administer iron supplements daily, although they are sometimes combined with folic acid, other vitamins and minerals for three months.

However, daily iron supplementation is often associated with side effects such as nausea and constipation. In these cases, administration once, twice or three times a week has been proposed as an effective and safer option than daily doses.

Possible Side Effects of Iron Supplements

Side effects vary according to the type of iron complex used, the most common being:

• Heartburn and stomach burning.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Metallic taste in the mouth.
• Feeling of full stomach.
• Dark stools.
• Diarrhea or constipation.

Nausea and gastric discomfort may increase with the dose of iron complexes. These discomforts usually appear 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. However, they may disappear after the first 3 days of treatment.

To reduce constipation caused by the drug, it is advisable to adopt healthy habits, such as increasing the consumption of fiber present in fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly.

Try to take the supplement with meals whenever possible. Some versions may also contain folic acid and vitamin B12, which also help to fight anemia.

Conclusion on Side Effects of Iron Supplements

It is recommended to take iron supplements only when medically indicated. Although iron deficiency can be stabilized in two months, it takes the body between 6 months and a year to fully recover.