How much supplemental iron is too much?

How much supplemental iron is too much?

At high doses, iron is toxic. For adults and children ages 14 and up, the upper limit — the highest dose that can be taken safely — is 45 mg a day. Children under age 14 should not take more than 40 mg a day.

When should I stop taking iron supplements?

Blood counts return to normal after 2 months of iron therapy for most people. You may need to continue taking supplements for another 6 to 12 months to build up the body’s iron stores in the bone marrow.

Is it safe to take iron supplements daily?

Unlike some supplements, when the subject is iron, more is definitely not better. Adults shouldn’t take any more than 45 mg of iron a day unless they are being treated with iron under close medical supervision.

How long is it safe to take iron supplements?

Do not take iron supplements for longer than 6 months unless your doctor has advised you to do so.

What happens if your iron stays low?

If left untreated, iron-deficiency anemia can cause serious health problems. Having too little oxygen in the body can damage organs. With anemia, the heart must work harder to make up for the lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin. This extra work can harm the heart.

Who should not take iron supplements?

People over 65, who are more likely to have iron-poor diets. People who are on blood thinners such as aspirin, Plavix®, Coumadin®, or heparin. People who have kidney failure (especially if they are on dialysis), because they have trouble making red blood cells. People who have trouble absorbing iron.

Are there any side effects to iron supplements?

In about 6 to 12 months, it’s possible to shore up iron levels even in the bone marrow. 1 2 However, the supplements come with a few side effects that you need to be aware of. They can occur as a response or reaction to the supplements themselves or as a result of overdose. We have listed the side effects in the order of severity. 1. Stained Teeth

What foods should I avoid when taking 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. When will I start to feel better?

When do you start to feel better after taking iron supplements?

Normally, it may take from a week to a month (after you start your iron supplement) before you start to feel better. Continue to watch your symptoms and take note of side effects that might be caused by the supplements. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider. What are the side effects of oral iron supplements?

Do you need a prescription for iron supplements?

The purpose of oral iron supplementation is to treat your symptoms by increasing the levels of iron and hemoglobin in your body. You don’t need a prescription to buy iron supplements. Working with your doctor, you can choose which type is best for you. The iron in your body is called “elemental iron.”.