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Posted by Pharmacist Duong Thanh Hai - Clinical Pharmacist - Faculty of Pharmacy - Vinmec Times City International Hospital
Eating iron-rich foods is a key factor in treating iron-deficiency anemia. However, in cases where the body does not get enough iron from the diet, the use of additional iron supplements is necessary to have enough iron stores for the body.
Iron supplements can be produced in the form of capsules, tablets, chewable tablets or liquid solutions. The most common type of iron supplement tablet is ferrous sulfate. In addition, there are iron preparations in the form of gluconate or fumarate salts. It should be noted that the extent to which iron is absorbed can vary between salts.
1. Notes when taking iron
What to eat to supplement iron is a matter of concern for many people. In fact, iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach (taken at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal). However, iron supplements can irritate the stomach causing nausea in some people. People. In that case, it is better to take iron supplements right after a meal. Sometimes, supplementing with vitamin C or drinking orange juice will help absorb iron better. The recommended amount of water for each iron supplement is about 200ml.
Besides, you SHOULD NOT take milk, calcium, and stomach antacids at the same time as iron supplements. Wait at least 2 hours after eating/drinking these foods to take an iron supplement.
Foods that should NOT be eaten at the same time as taking an iron supplement include: foods rich in fiber (such as whole grains, raw vegetables), foods or beverages with caffeine (tea, coffee). ).
2. How much iron is enough?
When taking iron supplements for pregnant women or iron supplements for babies or anyone who takes iron supplements, they should only take the correct amount of iron according to the prescription or advice of a doctor. Dosage depends on each iron preparation. The amount of elemental iron varies between salt preparations. Therefore, you should always remember to check the elemental iron content of each iron supplement pill. Typically, the recommended amount of iron is between 100 and 200mg of elemental iron, given in 1 to 3 doses per day or every other day.
Accordingly, you should take it at the same time every day to avoid missed doses. If you miss a dose, don't worry, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual.
Normally, the blood count usually returns to normal after 2 months of treatment but it is still necessary to continue taking iron supplements for another 6 to 12 months to ensure adequate iron stores for the body.
Bổ sung sắt cho bà bầu là một điều cần thiết cho sự phát triển của cả mẹ bầu lẫn thai nhi
3. Some side effects and treatment measures when taking iron supplements
Besides beneficial effects, any medicine can cause unwanted side effects, but not everyone gets them. Here are some side effects when taking iron supplements and ways to reduce them:
Constipation and diarrhea often occur when taking iron products. In this case, you should drink plenty of water every day. If constipation becomes a problem, a stool softener can be taken. Nausea and vomiting may occur with higher doses, so you should split the dose to reduce this side effect. Black stools are normal when taking iron supplements, but see your doctor right away if your stools are tarry or have red streaks, and you have numbness or pain in your abdomen. Liquid forms of iron can stain teeth, so it can be mixed with water or with fruit juices such as tomato juice and taken through a straw. Stain can be removed by brushing with baking soda or a toothpaste containing peroxide. Iron supplements may interfere with the effects of certain concomitant medications, such as the antibiotic tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and some medications used for hypothyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and seizures. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist when you are taking these medicines.
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