Augmenting Health with Iron Supplements

Vitamin and mineral supplementation is now considered as an essential as aspect of a health regimen as the modern diet may not suffice in providing the body’s needed nutrients. Due to processing and the additives contained in today’s food products as well as the inability of a majority to enjoy fresh and home-cooked meals, a large proportion of individuals are not able to meet their nutritional requirements. There is currently a barrage of health supplements in the market as manufacturers aim to encapsulize the much needed vitamins and minerals from nature as a means to address to the increasing demand of the health-conscious.

The health industry has made a lucrative business out of health supplements but it may be a win-win situation as consumers undoubtedly enjoy its health rewards and advantages. One of the most vital nutrients, iron, is an important component of proteins involved in oxygen transportation and metabolism. Insufficient amounts of iron in the body can lead to anemia which could degenerate when neglected. The intake of iron supplements greatly aid in addressing iron-deficiency anemia as well as other conditions leading to it. Although iron is primarily found in meat, fish, poultry, beans and lentils, iron supplements can come in handy in augmenting the body’s need for iron.

Low hemoglobin or red blood cell count is generally addressed by iron supplements before the condition poses significant health risks. Certain conditions such as intestinal problems, hemodialysis, pregnancy and bleeding problems may also require an individual to implement the intake of iron supplements. Iron supplements come in different varieties, each one serving a specific purpose. Breastfed infants and children undergoing growth spurts need the suitable iron supplements and when the doctor so recommends, it may be necessary to choose the appropriate iron supplements for one’s condition. The two categories of iron supplements are ferric and ferrous supplements. Ferrous supplements which are better absorbed by the body come in different forms of ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate.

One should be aware of the amounts of elemental iron in each of these iron supplements. By elemental iron, it means the amount of iron in each pill available for absorption. Ferrous fumarate contains 33% of elemental iron whereas ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate respectively contain 20% and 12%. Although accompanied by side effects such as black stool and yellowing of teeth, there may be no cause for alarm while taking iron supplements as such side effects are negligible and reversible. Intramuscular injections of iron supplements can cause considerable pain and brown discoloration in the injection site as well. Diarrhea, severe constipation and abdominal discomforts are also common side effects of iron supplements.

Supplemental iron can remarkably facilitate in keeping up with the RDA for iron which is 8 milligrams for men aging 19 to 50 years and 18 milligrams for women of the same age group. Iron supplements can provide better augmentation for pregnant women as they generally have higher RDA for the nutrient. It may be sensible to seek professional opinion initially before taking iron supplements more so if an individual is on other medications or has a condition that may affect their medication needs. While taking iron supplements, it is advisable that one takes copper, vitamins A, B complex and C for better absorption whereas antacids, vitamin E and zinc produce a contrary effect.