Common side effects
Iron is an important mineral for red blood cell production, but when taken as a supplement, the body can react unfavorably. The most common side effects are abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. Taking medicine on an empty stomach often increases discomfort.
Another phenomenon is black or dark stools, a quite typical sign when drinking iron. However, if stools are mixed with blood or accompanied by severe abdominal pain, you need to see a doctor immediately. In addition, many people complain about the taste of metal in their mouths, because the iron salt dissolves in the saliva. This condition often subsides with food.
With liquid iron, a common side effect is tooth decay. To limit this, you should drink it through a straw and clean your teeth regularly with toothpaste containing baking soda.
Severe side effects and drug interactions
Supplementing too much iron can cause intestinal damage, stomach ulcers, dehydration, shock, and even multiple organ failure. People with hereditary excess iron disease (hemochromatosis) should absolutely not take supplements because of the risk of cirrhosis, liver cancer and heart disease.
In addition, iron also competes with zinc, reducing zinc levels in the blood. Some drugs are also vulnerable when used together, such as levodopa, levothyroxine, Tetracycline or fluoroquinolone antibiotics. proton and calcium pumping inhibitors can hinder iron absorption, while vitamin C increases absorption but also easily increases side effects.
User should follow the recommended dosage and consult a doctor before taking iron supplementation, especially when taking another medication or having underlying medical conditions, says Dr. patricia Mikula, a clinical pharmaologist in the United States.
How much iron is enough?
Most healthy people meet their iron needs through a balanced diet. Newborns need about 0.27 mg per day, adolescents 8 - 15 mg depending on gender, adults 8 - 18 mg, pregnant women often need more.
In cases of iron deficiency anemia, doctors may prescribe supplements for a short time to improve the condition. Arbitrarily using or increasing the dose can cause more harm than benefit.
