Live Well Vitamins & Lifestyle Guide

Iron

Iron is a mineral that’s necessary for life. Iron plays a key role in the making of red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body.

Iron Uses

Iron supplements are most often used for certain types of anemia. Anemia is a low level of red blood cells that can cause fatigue and other symptoms. Anemia can be a sign of another disease or health condition.

There’s good evidence that iron supplements can treat anemia caused by

• pregnancy
• heavy menstrual periods
• kidney disease
• chemotherapy

While the evidence is weaker, iron supplements are also used for other types of anemia as well. Iron supplements are commonly recommended for infants and toddlers, teenage girls, and women who are pregnant or of childbearing age. Ask your doctor about other uses of iron supplements.

Iron supplements have also been studied for treatment of ADHD. While early data suggested a benefit, more study is needed before iron can be recommended for ADHD.

Iron Dose & Instructions for Use

The recommended dietary allowance includes the iron you get from both the food you eat and any supplements you take.

Take iron supplements with a full glass of water or food. Strict vegetarians may need to take in higher levels of iron. 

At high doses, iron is toxic. For adults and children ages 14 and up, the upper limit -- the highest dose that can be taken safely -- is 45 mg a day. Children under 14 should not take more than 40 mg a day.

Iron Food Sources

For most people, a good diet provides enough iron. Natural food sources of iron include:

• Meat, fish, and poultry
• Vegetables, like spinach, kale, and broccoli
• Dried fruits and nuts
• Beans, lentils, and peas

Iron is also added to many fortified foods, such as cereals and enriched breads.

Iron Supplement Information

Iron often comes in tablets or capsules. Iron is a standard ingredient in multivitamins. Like any supplement, keep iron supplements in a cool, dry place, away from humidity and direct sunlight.

Iron Warnings

• Side effects. Taken at normal doses, iron supplements may cause upset stomach, stool changes, and constipation.
• Risks. Don’t start taking iron supplements unless your doctor tells you that you need them. That’s especially true if you have a chronic health condition. Women who plan to become pregnant should also check with a doctor before they start daily iron supplements.
• Interactions. Iron can interact with many different drugs and supplements. They include antacids, anti-inflammatory painkillers, antibiotics, calcium, and others. If you take daily medicine, ask your doctor if it’s safe for you to take iron supplements.
• Overdose. Signs of an iron overdose include severe vomiting and diarrhea, stomach cramps, pale or bluish skin and fingernails, and weakness.  Iron overdose is a common cause of poisoning in children. It can be fatal. Treat these signs as a medical emergency. Call poison control and get medical help.