Iron Supplements

Many patients come to pharmacy without knowing that there are many different kinds of iron supplements and have no idea what to choose. Here are 10 key concepts/facts that you need to know about iron supplements.

1. Different types of Iron supplements. Iron supplements come with different salts (ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate) and various formulations ( amino-acid chelates, carbonyl iron, polysaccharide-iron complex, combination products, extended-release products).
2. What to choose? If doctor recommends a specific product, go for it. Otherwise start with one that contains low elemental iron (i.e. 30 mg) to avoid dose-related side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
3. What is elemental iron? Is it different from the number written on the bottle of product? Elemental iron is the amount of iron in the supplement available for body to absorb and each product has different percentage of elemental iron in it. Example: Euro-Fer 300mg contains 100mg of elemental iron vs Ferrous Gluconate 324mg has 37.5mg of elemental iron. So do not get confused with the number written on the bottle. You need to ask how much elemental iron is in the product.
4. How to find the amount of elemental iron in the product? Usually, it is written in a smaller print on the back of label.
5. How do I know I need a strong iron supplement? Blood work from lab checks hemoglobin and iron stores in your body. According to the result from blood work, doctor recommends the proper strength.
6. I want the least side effects. Which one is best one? Choose the product that contains the least elemental iron. The more elemental iron, the more side effects. However, if your doctor recommends a stronger one, then you need a stronger one to treat your iron deficiency.
7. Why are there so many different formulations? Different manufactures claim their products have less side effects and more absorption over others but most evident factor to determine their strength and side effects is quantity of elemental iron.
8. Can I take it with food? Best absorbed on an empty stomach but taking with food reduces side effects. Try to avoid certain foods (tea, coffee, milk, eggs, cheese, yogurt, spinach) within a few hours before/after iron supplements.
9. I’m taking medications. Is it ok to take iron supplements? Certain medications reduce the absorption or iron supplements reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. Thus, always talk to pharmacist or other health professionals before starting iron supplements. Most common medications that reduce absorption of iron supplements include antacids and proton pump inhibitors.
10. Any foods that have high iron? Red meat, pork, poultry, seafood, beans are iron-rich.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements to ensure it is appropriate for you.