The Side Effects of Taking Iron Supplements

If you've been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia your doctor probably recommended that you take an iron supplement. Unfortunately, as most people quickly discover the side effects of taking iron supplements aren't pleasant. Iron pills are known to irritate the stomach and colon and can cause nausea, constipation, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. The side effects of iron supplements are sometimes so pronounced that a person gets frustrated and stops taking them - which only makes the iron deficiency worse. Is there a way to remedy this situation? Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the side effects of taking iron supplements.

Side Effects of Taking Iron Supplements - Constipation

One of the most common side effects of taking iron supplements is constipation. No one is sure why iron causes constipation, but it seems to slow down bowel motility. Constipation can usually be minimized by taking iron with food; but this also reduces the amount of iron absorbed which can be a problem. Another way to lower the risk of constipation is to take a slow release iron tablet, but this also reduces the amount of iron absorbed.

One way to get around the problem is to take iron supplements with foods that are high in vitamin C since vitamin C enhances iron absorption. Citrus fruits are a good choice, but avoid taking iron supplements with orange juice that's fortified with calcium. Calcium reduces iron absorption which is why doctors advise that you never take it with milk. Another option is to use one of the combinations of iron and vitamin C that are now on the market. Because vitamin C is added to increase absorption, the amount of iron in these products is lower leading to less risk of constipation. An example of such a product is Vitron-C.

Side Effects of Taking Iron Supplements - Nausea

The stomach upset and nausea experienced with iron supplements can also be reduced by taking it with vitamin C rich foods. Avoid taking iron supplements with tea or foods that are high in calcium, phytates (such as beans and whole grains), or oxalic acid. (certain vegetables such as spinach). These all reduce the amount of iron absorbed.

Other Tips

It's important to take steps to minimize the side effects of taking iron supplements since they need to be used for at least six months to fully replenish iron stores. Although hemoglobin levels start to slowly rise after two weeks of iron therapy, it takes at least six months to rebuild iron stores. During this time, keep a stool softener handy to help with the constipation. Drink lots of liquids and increase the fiber in your diet to keep things moving. One final word. Iron supplements can turn the stool black, so don't be alarmed when you look in the toilet.

References:

Cecil's Essentials of Medicine. Sixth Edition.
http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/factsheets/iron.asp