IRON SUPPLEMENTS: 5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
Do you suspect that you might be running low on iron and want to incorporate a supplement in your routine to avoid the onset of anemia?
However, unlike other nutrition supplements, you should not take iron supplements without the guidance of a medical professional or knowing how some foods can limit the body's ability to absorb iron. Here we have listed things that you should consider when it comes to taking an iron supplement and help you stay on track:
- Understand the different classes of iron
Not all iron supplements are the same, as needs vary from person to person. Learning what is out there and understanding the differences between products is important for you to get the right iron supplement to suit your needs.
2.Consult your Doctor or Health Care Provider
Do not self-diagnose or treat when it comes to any health issue, including iron deficiency. It is important to take the correct dose for your individual needs, as too much iron in the blood can cause iron toxicity. Iron supplements come in several forms such as tablets, capsules, and liquids. Your doctor should also be able to determine how severe your iron deficiency is and establish the correct dosage for you.
- Continue taking the supplement, even when your iron level is normal again
The level of iron in the blood can be normalized within two weeks, but when you are taking an iron supplement, you should take it for at least three more months (or as long as your doctor advises) to build up the iron level in your bone marrow. Your doctor will continue testing your blood to check hemoglobin levels.
- Iron may clash with other medications
Some medications may hinder the absorption of iron. These include antacids, which are medicines that counteract the acid in your stomach. Other medicines that could reduce your absorption of iron include antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin and penicillin, some cholesterol-lowering medications such as cholestyramine, and some medications used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and stroke.
If you have any concerns, clear them with your doctor or pharmacist first. You might have to wait a couple of hours between taking your iron supplement and other medications.
- Enhance your iron absorption
Unfortunately, your body does not absorb iron very well and is dependent on various factors. But there are ways to optimize your efforts when it comes to eating iron-rich foods and taking an iron supplement.
Vitamin C supplements or orange juice or citrus fruits may be combined with iron to increase iron absorption.
EBMfer is a vegan iron supplement that is suitable in pregnancy and in menstruating women for the prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. EBMfer is free from animal products, sugar, gelatin, lactose, dye, dairy and gluten. EBMfer is a gentle to stomach and is available in capsules containing 100 mg elemental iron per capsule and raspberry flavoured liquid containing 5 mg elemental iron per mL of the liquid.
EBMmoms capsules is a vegan prenatal multivitamin supplement containing 100 mg iron and 1000 mcg of B12 including 12 vitamins and 5 minerals. EBMmoms may be a good choice during pregnancy as iron needs are higher in these women and due to higher iron content in EBMmoms, they don’t have to take iron supplement and multivitamin supplement separately.