Can I take iron tablets with food?

Category: medical health digestive disorders
4.3/5 (41 Views . 30 Votes)
Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Yet, iron supplements can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea in some people. You may need to take iron with a small amount of food to avoid this problem. Milk, calcium and antacids should NOT be taken at the same time as iron supplements.



Herein, how long should you wait to eat after taking an iron supplement?

In most cases, the best time to take iron supplements is about one hour before or two hours after meals. Iron supplements are best taken with water on an empty stomach. There is a long list of foods, such as coffee, tea or milk, which interfere with the absorption of ferrous iron.

Secondly, can you take iron supplements at night? The ideal time for taking an iron supplement is one hour before a meal, or two hours after, to ensure an empty stomach. Take your supplement before bed. This is likely to be the easiest time to have an empty stomach.

Then, what should I eat while taking iron pills?

Do not take iron supplements and antacids or calcium supplements at the same time. It is best to space doses of these 2 products 1 to 2 hours apart, to get the full benefit from each medicine or dietary supplement.

Precautions

  • Cheese and yogurt.
  • Eggs.
  • Milk.
  • Spinach.
  • Tea or coffee.
  • Whole-grain breads and cereals and bran.

What should you not take with iron supplements?

You shouldn't take iron supplements with milk, caffeine, antacids, or calcium supplements. These can decrease the amount of iron that is absorbed. Try to take your iron supplement with vitamin C (for example, a glass of orange juice) to increase absorption.

34 Related Question Answers Found

What are the 3 stages of iron deficiency?

In stage 3, anemia (reduced hemoglobin levels) is present but red blood cell appearance remains normal. Changes in the appearance of red blood cells are the hallmark of stage 4; first microcytosis and then hypochromia develop. Iron deficiency begins to affect tissues in stage 5, manifesting as symptoms and signs.

Does iron pills make you gain weight?

Patients who receive iron treatment gain weight, if they do not make diet or have a metabolic disease. So, iron therapy increases serum ferritin levels accompanying with body weight.

Does black poop mean iron tablets are working?

? Iron pills may cause stomach problems, such as heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps. Iron pills can change the color of your stool to a greenish or grayish black. This is normal, but because internal bleeding can also cause dark stool, be sure to mention any color changes to your doctor.

Can I take iron and b12 together?

Interactions between your drugs
No interactions were found between Iron Sulfate and Vitamin B12. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.

How long after coffee can I take iron?


Wait at least one hour after eating before drinking coffee or tea.

What foods should you not eat when taking iron?

Foods that you should NOT eat at the same time as you take your iron include:
  • High fiber foods, such as whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran.
  • Foods or drinks with caffeine.

Can low iron cause anxiety?

Even in adults the first symptoms of iron deficiency are often neurologic, as those affected will frequently complain of fatigue, brain fog, and also restless legs causing insomnia. Sometimes iron deficiency will present as anxiety, depression, irritability, and even poor concentration and general restlessness.

Can I take iron with banana?

Banana and Honey:Bananas are particularly beneficial as they also contain besides easily assimilable iron, folic acid and B12, all of which are extremely useful in the treatment of anemia. Drizzle honey over the bananas as it is rich in copper which helps in iron absorption.

Can iron tablets make you feel sick?

In some people, iron pills cause stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and black stool. Iron is best absorbed if taken on an empty stomach. Do not take iron pills with milk, caffeinated drinks, or antacids. If the side effects of your iron pills make you feel too sick, talk to your doctor.

What is the best tolerated iron supplement?


CONCLUSION: Extended-release ferrous sulfate with mucoproteose appears to be the best tolerated of the different oral iron supplements evaluated.

Why do iron tablets cause constipation?

A: Iron is hard on the digestive tract. Constipation is the most common side effect, but iron supplements can also cause nausea, indigestion, gas and bloating. The cause of the constipation is the iron itself, not any added ingredient. The ferrous gluconate dose is less constipating for many people.

Can iron tablets cause stomach ulcers?

Given the common nature of iron deficiency anemia, the fact that iron pills have been shown to damage the mucosa of the upper gastrointestinal tract should not be taken lightly. On a positive note, liquid iron does not produce the same adverse effect of mucosal ulceration.

How quickly do iron tablets work?

– It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks of taking regular iron supplements before your symptoms start to improve. – You may need to keep taking iron for several months to build up your iron reserves and keep your anemia from returning. Take your pills for as long as your doctor recommends, even if your symptoms have improved.

What iron supplement is easiest on the stomach?

SIMPLY SOOTHING – While some iron supplements can cause gastrointestinal irritation and constipation, Solgar Gentle Iron Vegetable Capsules contain a unique form of iron (iron bisglycinate) which is formulated for enhanced absorption in order to be non-constipating and gentle on your stomach.

Can iron pills make you dizzy?


This can cause tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, the sensation of having a 'thumping heart' (palpitations) and headache. Iron is found naturally in certain foods, but in conditions where people do not get enough iron from their normal diet for their body's needs, an iron supplement may be useful.

Why is my body not absorbing iron?

An inability to absorb iron.
Iron from food is absorbed into your bloodstream in your small intestine. An intestinal disorder, such as celiac disease, which affects your intestine's ability to absorb nutrients from digested food, can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

What are the side effects of taking iron tablets?

What are the side effects of iron supplements?
  • constipation,
  • dark stools,
  • stomach pain,
  • nausea, and.
  • vomiting.