Top 5 Rules to Follow While Taking Iron Supplements

Iron is an essential mineral your body needs to produce red blood cells. When your body doesn’t get sufficient iron, fewer red blood cells are produced which also affects oxygen supply to your organs and tissues. This leads to a condition called iron deficiency anemia.

However, despite the myriad of vital benefits of iron, including its fatigue-fighting property, there are important guidelines to be aware of. This is because while taking an iron supplement is one thing, ensuring it is well absorbed and utilized by your body is another thing. This article covers the top 5 rules to follow while taking iron supplements.

How Do You Know You’re at Risk of Iron Deficiency?

Different people need different amounts of iron to stay healthy, especially women. This is because women need twice as much iron as men, which significantly drops during menopause. However, you’re at risk of being deficient in iron if you’re in the following category:

• You’re pregnant.
• You experience heavy periods.
• You have a condition that depletes iron in your body. This could be colon cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers, etc.
• You have a low iron diet or have an unhealthy eating habit.

Guidelines While Taking Iron Supplements

• Avoid taking iron on an empty stomach: 

  Although iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, it might lead to an upset stomach or other gastrointestinal problems in some people. Fortunately, you can have an empty stomach between meals. Therefore, the most recommended time to take iron supplements is half an hour after a meal. During this time, there will not be a heavy feeling of fullness, and all the food in the stomach has not yet been digested. This can ensure that the gastric mucosa is not irritated and thus facilitates iron absorption.

   

• After taking an iron supplement, wait at least 2-4 hours before taking tea or coffee:

  This is because tea and coffee contain a substance called tannic acid, which contributes to the bitter taste of these beverages. Notably, tannic acid can bind with iron, forming an indigestible complex and reducing iron bioavailability. This affects iron absorption by the body.

   

• Avoid taking iron with high-fiber foods like salads: 

  Some high-fiber foods can affect the absorption of iron. Also, some other foods that can affect the absorption of iron include calcium-rich foods, soy, whole grains, etc.

   

• Don’t neglect iron-rich foods: 

  Just because you are taking an iron supplement doesn’t mean you should pay less attention to your diet and exclude iron from your foods. Also, processed and refined foods that have undergone some chemical processes can interfere with iron absorption in your body. Thus, it could counteract the effect of iron supplements.

   

• Do not give your iron supplement  to children: 

  It is essential to understand that children have varying nutritional needs and quantities, including iron. Generally, children between the ages of 4-8 need 10 mg of iron, and 9-13 need 8 mg of iron for both sexes. More importantly, including iron-rich foods in their diet is the best way to meet these nutritional needs.

How to Meet Your Daily Iron Requirements

Iron is a mineral that confers numerous benefits in the body. From preventing iron deficiency and anemia to boosting energy levels and cognitive function, supplementing with NATURE’SFIELD FOLYBIN plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal health and well-being.

By incorporating the above-listed guidelines, you will optimize your iron intake and adequate utilization in the body. Therefore, ensure that you are getting a sufficient amount of iron through supplementing with NATURE’SFIELD FOLYBIN. By doing this, you can support your overall vitality with a renewed energy boost to get you through the day and enjoy the festive season to the fullest.