Young children, premature infants, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions are the more vulnerable to anemia (iron deficiency). In such cases, people commonly use iron supplements (or iron pills) to address and prevent the problems caused by deprivation of iron.
Whether you’re buying iron supplements by prescription or over-the-counter, side effects are almost inevitable, especially if you don’t take them properly.
How to reduce iron supplement side effects? There are some tips for absorbing iron without unwanted effects from supplementation. This article will give you necessary information to avoid as many of them as possible.
Side Effects When Taking Iron Supplements
Some common side effects from taking iron pills are:
- Stomach discomfort: Iron supplements can sometimes cause stomach discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Constipation: Iron can cause constipation or make existing constipation worse. It’s important to drink plenty of water and consume fiber-rich foods to help alleviate this issue.
- Diarrhea: In some cases, iron supplements can lead to diarrhea. If this happens, you might need to adjust your dosage or talk to a healthcare provider.
- Upset stomach: Iron supplements might cause an upset stomach, especially if taken on an empty stomach. Taking them with a small amount of food can help reduce this discomfort.
- Metallic taste: Some people experience a lingering metallic taste in their mouth after taking iron supplements.
Why Do Iron Supplements Make Me Sick?
Iron supplements can be hard on the stomach, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
Besides, iron is a mineral that can be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, especially in higher doses. This irritation can lead to symptoms like nausea, stomach cramps, or other digestive issues.
In addition, taking too much iron at once can overwhelm the digestive system and lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting. It’s important to take iron supplements as directed by a healthcare provider.
How To Reduce Iron Supplement Side Effects?
Reducing the potential side effects of iron supplements is not only about choosing the right supplement but also taking it correctly. Here’s a guide to help minimize iron supplement side effects:
- If your doctor recommends a larger amount of iron supplement per day, consider splitting it into two or three smaller doses throughout the day. This can often help minimize side effects. It’s important not to exceed 60 mg of elemental iron per dose.
- While iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, some individuals may experience stomach discomfort. How to stop stomach pain from iron pills? In such cases, take the supplement after meals.
- Do not take iron supplements with milk, calcium-rich foods, or antacids. Wait at least 2 hours after consuming these items before taking your iron supplement. This separation prevents interference with iron absorption.
- Take the iron supplement with a full glass of water to ensure it doesn’t get stuck in your throat.
- To minimize the risk of acid reflux, remain upright for 30 to 60 minutes after taking the iron supplement. This is one of the helpful tips regarding how to stop nausea from iron pills. It prevents stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus.
- If constipation is a concern, consult your doctor about switching to a liquid form of iron supplement, like Feosol. Gradually adjusting the dosage can help find a level that doesn’t cause constipation.
- Counteract constipation by upping your fiber and water intake. However, be cautious, as dietary fiber can hinder iron absorption. Consume increased fiber separately from your iron supplement.
- If one type of iron supplement doesn’t agree with you, discuss trying a different form with your healthcare provider. Different formulations might be better tolerated.
- Choose an appropriate type of supplement for your body.
Suitable iron supplements vary by person. While some people can take pills without any concern, others can only take iron liquid.
Also, if you’re a pregnant woman or buying pills for your child, you’ll need to be even more mindful before buying.
Refer to our recommendations for better iron supplementing:
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take iron supplements to start to get effective?
Iron supplements typically start to have an effect within a few days to a week.
Hemoglobin levels, for example, might take around 2 to 4 weeks to start increasing noticeably in response to iron supplementation. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body, and its levels are often used to monitor iron status.
It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding the duration and dosage of iron supplementation.
In some cases, they may recommend continued iron supplementation for a certain period even after your iron levels return to normal, to ensure that your body’s iron stores are fully replenished.
Should I take iron supplements at a particular time of day?
The timing of iron supplement intake can indeed affect its absorption and effectiveness.
Taking iron supplements on an empty stomach, such as first thing in the morning or a couple of hours before meals, generally enhances iron absorptio. There are fewer substances that can interfere with its absorption.
If you choose to take your iron supplements on an empty stomach, it’s recommended to wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour before consuming any food or beverages (other than water) to maximize iron absorption.
How to choose the right iron supplement?
Slow-release or extended-release iron supplements can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects for some individuals, as the iron is released more gradually in the digestive tract.
Meanwhile, some supplements combine iron with other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, B vitamins, and folic acid, which can support overall health and enhance iron absorption.
Before starting any iron supplement, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you suspect you have an iron deficiency or if you have any underlying health conditions.
They can recommend the right type and dosage of iron supplement for your specific situation.
Final Words
In a nutshell, there are two things to help us when it comes to how to reduce iron supplement side effects: which supplements to take and ways to take them properly.
Yet, keep in mind that you must treat iron deficiency rather than just doing iron supplementation effectively.
After all, for a good health in the long haul, it’s critical that you create a varied and well-balanced diet.
