It’s best to consult your doctor before taking a multivitamin, especially if you take medications or have a history of any medical conditions.
You may need to take higher-dose iron supplements if you have cancer, bleeding problems, kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, or ulcerative colitis. These conditions often cause iron and other vitamin deficiencies. Consuming too much iron is dangerous if you don’t have a serious deficiency, so do not try to take high doses of over-the-counter iron supplements. Never take high-dose iron unless directed by a doctor.
Generally, carefully measure your prescribed amount of liquid, syrup, or powdered iron supplement with a dropper or measuring spoon, then mix it with juice or water. Your body may also absorb liquid iron supplements better, and some people report that they cause fewer side effects than tablets and capsules.
Remember to use high-dose iron supplements only under the guidance of a medical professional. Taking too much iron can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, organ failure, coma, and death. Tell your doctor about any medicines you take. Excess iron can affect how some medications work, including some antibiotics and medications for Parkinson’s disease or hypothyroidism.
Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so it’s a good idea to take your supplement with orange juice. While taking iron supplements, you should also eat more foods that are rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, cantaloupe, mango, strawberries, and tomato. Just be wary of eating raw high-fiber fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, within 2 hours of taking your supplement. Fiber can interfere with iron absorption.
You should also avoid consuming calcium supplements and antacids within 2 hours of taking an iron supplement. Calcium, caffeine, and high-fiber foods make it more difficult for your body to absorb iron.
Iron supplements typically have a shelf life of 2 years or more. Check the expiration date, and avoid taking a supplement that has expired. If you take a liquid iron supplement, you may need to store it in the refrigerator. Check your product’s instruction label, and store it as directed.
If you’ve experienced symptoms of anemia, you should start to feel better within 1 to 4 weeks after you start taking iron supplements.
While black stools are normal and are a sign the supplements are working, they shouldn’t have a tarry appearance. See your doctor if you experience tar-like stools, which are serious and could indicate intestinal bleeding.
If you haven’t been taking your iron supplement with a meal, doing so could also help relieve side effects.
To remove stains, simply brush your teeth with baking soda or rinse your mouth with 3% hydrogen peroxide.
