How should I take iron supplements? Doctors reveal the best time to take it "with it in the stomach" for better absorption

Iron is responsible for helping the body produce hemoglobin, which helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Unbalanced diet and malabsorption are common causes of iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, brittle nails and hair, headaches, anemia, and cold hands and feet. Some people supplement iron through health products, but experts remind everyone that the time of taking iron supplements will affect its absorption effect.

"Prevention" combines the opinions of family nutritionists and doctors of pharmacy to tell you what you can know before taking iron supplements.

{99 9} The best time and frequency to take iron supplements

For best absorption, it is best to take iron supplements in the morning on an empty stomach before eating or taking other medications. If you want to take it at night, be careful not to lie down and rest or sleep immediately after eating to avoid digestive discomfort.

In addition to the time of taking, the frequency of taking will also affect the absorption of iron. Some studies have pointed out that compared with taking it every other day, taking it every other day will help increase the absorption efficiency. Taking into account each person's physical constitution and various factors, it is still recommended to consult a doctor to discuss when and how often to take it.

Factors affecting iron absorption

1. Stomach pH

The highly acidic environment of the stomach helps iron absorption. Therefore, when gastric acid decreases and pH increases, the iron absorption rate will be reduced. Ingesting some acidic foods with a lower pH can help iron absorption, such as citrus juices, tomatoes, or bell peppers.

2. Vitamin C

Although it is not recommended to take other drugs when taking iron supplements, vitamin C can help improve the absorption rate of iron and can be taken together.

3. Foods that should be avoided together

Foods containing calcium will bind to iron and inhibit iron absorption, such as dairy products, yogurt, cheese and calcium supplements. These foods should be avoided before and after taking iron supplements.

In addition, large amounts of eggs, coffee and tea will also affect the absorption rate of iron, and should be taken at least 1 to 2 hours apart from iron supplements.

4. Types of health products

Iron supplements usually come in the form of tablets, capsules or liquids. No matter which type, there is not much difference in the way the body absorbs it. People only need to choose the taste and texture that they can accept.

5. Drugs

Common over-the-counter drugs such as calcium-containing antacids or acid suppressants that suppress gastric acid, hydrogen ion pump inhibitors (PPI), and histamine blockers may reduce the absorption of iron. Patients who need to take these drugs and iron supplements should be separated by several hours.

In addition, certain antibiotics, levothyroxine, phosphonate drugs used to treat osteoporosis, cholestyramine to treat high cholesterol and other prescription drugs should also pay attention to whether they interact with iron supplements. Doctors should be informed in detail about the various drugs and health care products they are currently taking.

Precautions for taking iron supplements

The body's health condition may also affect the absorption of iron. People with chronic infections such as hepatitis C, HIV, malaria, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease should not take iron supplements unless directed by a doctor, otherwise they may increase the risk of infection and even cause organ damage.

If the general public suspects that they are suffering from iron deficiency symptoms or want to prevent iron deficiency, it is actually not recommended to take iron health supplements on their own to avoid excessive iron intake causing other health problems.

The correct approach is to go to a medical institution for a blood test to detect the iron content in the blood, inform your health status and the drugs and health products you are currently taking, and let the doctor judge whether you need to supplement iron, and know the type, amount and time of taking it.