Iron supplements are used to treat and prevent anemia, which is caused by a lack of iron. They are only indicated for prophylaxis in those who have poor absorption, heavy menstrual periods, pregnancy, hemodialysis, or a low-iron diet. Constipation, stomach pain, dark stools, and diarrhea are all common adverse effects. Iron overload and iron toxicity are two further negative effects that might arise if you use them too much.
Iron supplements are used to treat iron deficiency and anemia; parenteral irons are used to treat functional iron deficit, which occurs when the body’s requirement for iron exceeds the body’s ability to supply it, such as in inflammatory conditions.
The following are some of the people who are most likely to be iron deficient.
Pregnant Women
Due to substantial increases in maternal red blood cell synthesis, plasma volume and red cell mass rise during pregnancy. The quantity of iron that women require throughout pregnancy increases as a result of this development and to meet the needs of the fetus and placenta. Premature birth, low birth weight, and mother and newborn mortality are all increased by iron deficiency during pregnancy. Daily oral iron supplementation during pregnancy reduces the incidence of maternal anemia, according to a 2015 Cochrane Collaboration analysis, although the consequences on the newborn and other maternal outcomes are unclear. Another study provided preliminary evidence that occasional iron supplementation by mouth is equally effective as daily supplementation for women and babies, with fewer adverse effects. Oral supplements should be taken on an empty stomach, with a small amount of food added if desired to minimize pain.
Infants
Because of their quick growth, infants, especially those born preterm or with low birth weight, are at risk of iron deficiency. Until they are 6 months old, full-term newborns normally have sufficient iron reserves and require little if any iron from external sources.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Heavy menstrual periods are the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in women of reproductive age. Up to a third of premenopausal women experience heavy monthly bleeding, and some of these women are at risk of iron deficiency anemia, which can produce symptoms including shortness of breath, tiredness, and fatigue. Iron deficiency and heavy periods are often overlooked, although they can indicate a bleeding disorder. Once the diagnosis is made, both are simply treated.
Cancer Patients
Iron deficiency is common in cancer patients, ranging from 29 percent to 70 percent. Chronic condition anemia and chemotherapy-induced anemia are the two most common causes of iron deficiency in cancer patients.
Heart Failure
Iron deficiency affects two-thirds of patients with chronic heart failure. Poor diet, malabsorption, cardiac cachexia, and the use of aspirin and oral anticoagulants, which may cause blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract, are all possible causes of iron deficiency in persons with heart failure.
Athletes
Athletes may be at higher risk of iron deficiency and so benefit from supplementation, although individual situations differ, and dosage should be determined on ferritin levels checked, as supplementation can be dangerous in some cases.