Iron is important in the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body. If iron stores are low, fatigue, weakness, poor concentration, shortness of breath and headaches can occur. If it is confirmed that the body is deficient in this vitamin and mineral, a supplement may be beneficial, but the timing of taking it can impact absorption and side effects. This Gumifi guide outlines all of the practical considerations.
Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach (one hour before or 2 hours after eating). But, the best one is one that can be continued according to the advice of a healthcare professional. Those who feel an upset tummy may require to supplement with iron on an empty stomach; however this is not ideal as this can limit absorption.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Take Iron Supplements?
No specific time of day is ideal for all. Morning may be a good time to take as the stomach is empty following sleep. An individual can take iron before they drink water, and then wait about an hour before eating. This exercise may also help to prevent coffee, tea, dairy, and some medications from tarnishing iron.
It is not required to attend in the morning. When coffee is served as a component of breakfast, or if high fibre cereal or calcium is served with the coffee, a mid-morning / afternoon dose may be more convenient. The most important thing is to set up a suitable space around foods, beverages and medications that affect the body's ability to absorb. Always use the directions given on the product label and on the schedule given by your doctor or pharmacist, as instructions may vary depending on the form and dosage of the iron, the condition being treated, and the treatment plan.
Should Iron Be Taken With Food or on an Empty Stomach?
Iron is most easily absorbed when taken on an empty stomach. Best absorbed when taken with water about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Avoid exceeding recommended doses - it may not be possible to correct low iron levels more quickly.
A few people experience nausea, cramps, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea when stomach upset. When this occurs, supplement with a small snack may enhance tolerability. Do not have it with a high calcium or high fibre food. It is better to have a sustainable schedule that provides the correct dosage than to have a schedule that results in many doses being missed because the person is not eating.
People who don't like the idea of taking iron tablets can take chewable iron pills or Iron Gummies. While convenience is a plus, it doesn't mean the element of iron, serving size, added sugar, timing instructions and age appropriateness are taken out of the equation. While Gumifi provides a user-friendly format, always seek professional advice on the product and dosage to ensure you select the appropriate product and dose.
How to Improve Iron Absorption
Vitamin C can help you absorb nonheme iron, which is the type found in supplements. If recommended by individual's physician and stomach tolerances, iron is to be taken with a food or beverage that contains vitamin C, such as an orange, strawberries, kiwi, bell pepper or a small amount of orange juice. Water is always an easy choice if vitamin C is already in the formulation or a clinician has recommended not to use it.
There are also some common foods that interfere with the absorption of iron, including some foods that are consumed near the time of an iron dose. These include:
- Coffee and tea
- Calculate the amounts of calcium in your diet such as milk, cheese, etc.
- Calcium supplements and calcium containing antacids
- Foods that are very high in fibre or foods containing bran
- Some medicinal products and/or mineral supplements
One way to do this is to remove iron from these products approximately 2 hours before use unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider. Medications may need a longer or a more specific time interval.
Medicines That Need Special Timing
Some drugs may interfere with the absorption of iron and iron may interfere with the absorption of some other drugs. Some examples are levothyroxine, levodopa, and certain antibiotics. Some types of iron may be better absorbed without an acid reducing medicine or with a special type of iron.
Never skip or delay a prescription medication without a doctor's advice. Have a pharmacist or prescriber check the complete list of medicines and food supplements, including antacids, calcium, magnesium and multi-vitamins. They can advise on the precise timing and minimize a series of treatments which is supposed to work on iron from interfering with another treatment.
Can Iron Supplements Help With Hair Loss?
While some people may experience hair loss as a result of iron deficiency, there are numerous other causes of hair loss, such as thyroid problems, hormonal fluctuations, disease, stress, genes, and diet or nutrition deficiency. There are no benefits to iron for hair loss unless it is determined that it is relevant based on testing and clinical evaluation.
Consuming iron when it is not indicated is not likely to do anything for issues of hair loss that are unrelated to iron deficiency and may cause unwanted side effects or health problems. A doctor may order a full blood examination along with iron-related blood tests, and make a diagnosis based on the blood test results, symptoms, and determine if treatment should be used. The benefits of iron supplements is most likely to be important if they are used to treat a known deficiency, not just to alleviate a symptom.
When Should Children Take Iron Supplements?
The dosage and safety of iron supplementation for children varies with age, diet, medical history, laboratory results and, for that reason, requires special care. Iron should only be given to an infant or child in the dosage and form advised by a pediatrician or other qualified health care professional. A child-friendly liquid product, chewable or chewable gummy product can help to increase acceptability, but must contain adequate amounts of the product.
In young children, iron poisoning can be deadly. Store all iron containing products locked, out of sight and out of reach and use child resistant packaging. Gummies should never be given as candy. If the child is likely to have ingested excessive amounts of iron, please contact the poisons control center or emergency services as soon as possible.
How Long Does Iron Take to Work?
Others will experience a boost in their energy levels after a few weeks, but it varies from one individual to another. It may take a longer time to improve the iron stores than it does to improve the symptoms or hemoglobin level. The treatment can be extended for months and repeated blood testing may be done to check progress and when the treatment should alter or be discontinued.
While the improvement in symptoms is an indication of iron stores, it does not necessarily mean they are restored. Likewise, an inadequate improvement should not justify the prescribing of an increased dose without evaluation. If the symptoms continue, this may indicate that absorption is poor, there are continuous losses or the diagnosis was wrong, the schedule was not followed properly, or another health condition may need attention.
A Simple Routine for Consistent and Safe Use
Pick a consistent time when the stomach is not quite full and other foods or medicines are not likely to interfere. This should be taken with water, taking vitamin C if necessary; a small low calcium snack may be used if stomach upset makes it difficult to take it on an empty stomach. Do not double the next dose if the dose is missed, but take the dose according to the label/Pharmacist advice.
Oral iron may cause dark stools and constipation, but if it causes severe abdominal pain, recurrent vomiting, blood in the stool, allergic reactions, or symptoms of overdose, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. Prior to ironing, be certain of the need and the proper dose and form. In the best timing plan, absorption, safety, and medication compatibility are all considered along with the ability to take iron regularly.
