Yet, iron supplements can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea in some people. You may need to take iron with a small amount of food to avoid this problem. Milk, calcium and antacids should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements.
Iron pills may cause stomach problems, such as heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and cramps. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat fruits, vegetables, and fibre each day. Iron pills can change the colour of your stool to a greenish or grayish black. This is normal.
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea/vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, flatulence, metallic taste, staining of the teeth, or epigastric distress. Patients may feel uncomfortable with the change in stool caliber and color to green or 'tarry black.
Some people do experience stomach discomfort that ranges from heartburn to nausea and vomiting, but taking ferrous sulfate with food instead may help avoid or lessen it. Constipation or stools that are black or green also occur. (The unusual coloring is because of absorbed iron, and is not harmful.)
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): Diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion. Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, tooth discolouration, skin rash, itching, headache. FC tablet: Concomitant use with injectable iron medicines is not recommended.
Excessive iron can be damaging to the gastrointestinal system. Symptoms of iron toxicity include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Over time, iron can accumulate in the organs, and cause fatal damage to the liver or brain. Toxic cellular effects occur as well.
and Warnings. When taken by mouth: Iron is likely safe for most people when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 45 mg elemental iron daily. It can cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. Taking iron supplements with food seems to reduce side effects.
Excess iron is stored in your organs, especially your liver, heart and pancreas. Too much iron can lead to life-threatening conditions, such as liver disease, heart problems and diabetes.
About iron supplements
This can cause tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, the sensation of having a 'thumping heart' (palpitations) and headache.
The side effects of ferrous sulfate supplements are usually temporary. They should go away as your body gets used to the medication.
Some signs that iron pills are working for iron deficiency anemia include increased energy, less weakness, and less shortness of breath or dizziness. However, since iron deficiency anemia does not always cause symptoms, people may not display any clear signs that iron pills are or are not working.
Weight gain related to iron therapy is a common problem in female patients with iron deficiency anemia. Patients under iron therapy should be counseled in terms of weight gain complication and benefits of diet and followed up serum ferritin and Hgb levels to prevent prolonged iron therapy.
Co-supplementation of ferrous salts with vitamin C exacerbates oxidative stress in the gastrointestinal tract, predisposing individuals to ulceration, inflammatory disorders, and exacerbation of existing chronic disorders and may cause cancer. Iron and ascorbic acid form a potentially toxic cocktail.
feeling very tired all the time (fatigue) weight loss. weakness. joint pain.
Iron pills can change the color of your stool to a greenish or grayish black. This is normal, but because internal bleeding can also cause dark stool, be sure to mention any color changes to your doctor.
As tiredness or a lack of energy (fatigue) is commonly associated with a diet low in iron, it is likely to be the first change in your body that you notice when you take an iron supplement (2).
Iron is essential for keeping our bodies and brains healthy. It brings oxygen to our blood cells, helps convert food into energy and enables us to maintain a normal immune system. Too little or too much iron has detrimental effects on the body and can lead to arrhythmia and blood pressure anomalies.
This involves taking medicine that removes iron from your blood and releases it into your urine or poo. Commonly used medicines are deferasirox and desferrioxamine.
Symptoms of iron poisoning usually become evident within 6 hours after an excessive amount of iron is swallowed. Iron corrodes your intestinal lining and is a direct irritant to the stomach. People with iron poisoning can have the following symptoms: Severe vomiting.
Maltofer is suitable for use in pregnancy. Maltofer has been used for over 50 years to correct iron levels in pregnant women. Clinical studies have shown that Maltofer corrects iron deficiency in pregnant women with significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects.
For prevention of iron deficiency in high-risk adults and adolescents (12 years and older), take 1 tablet (100 mg iron) daily, preferably with food. Higher doses may be taken as directed by your medical practitioner.
Take MALTOFER® during or immediately after a meal. The daily dose of MALTOFER® can be taken at once or divided into separate doses. MALTOFER® Tablets should be taken with a glass of water. MALTOFER® Tablets should be swallowed whole.