Why It's Wise To Use Iron Supplements

By Mistty P. Nease


In instances where a diet of iron rich foods in not enough, iron supplements can raise iron levels in someone suffering from anemia symptoms, and help them to feel normal again. In the majority of cases, people who show symptoms of anemia can raise their iron levels back to normal levels within three months of starting to take iron supplements. To replenish the diminished iron stores in their bone marrow, though, it may take up to a year.

Iron is a protein in red blood cells that is critical to produce strong and working hemoglobin. This is because it carries oxygen to all the body's organs and tissue, and helps muscle cells store oxygen for when the body requires it. If the body doesn't have enough hemoglobin in its blood, (which gives blood it's red color), it means it's not getting enough oxygen. This iron deficiency causes the condition called anemia.

This kind of anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath or depression. The physical symptoms that often result include cold hands or feet, pallid skin, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, and fragile finger nails. Some less common symptoms include pica, a disorder that causes the subject to persistently eat non-nutritional objects. Iron deficiency may also cause sexual dysfunction, problems with concentration, depression, restless leg syndrome, and affect athletic performance.

Women in their childbearing years really need to take care of their iron levels because they lose iron rich blood during menstruation. During, and after, pregnancy many mothers also run a higher chance of becoming anemic because they need extra iron to feed the growing baby, and take prenatal vitamins to prevent this from happening.

As with any other vitamin supplement, it is vital that women consult a qualified health care professional before taking iron supplements. Since using these supplements can interact with some medications, high dosages are dangerous, and they can cause a variety of side effects including nausea, digestion problems, stomachache, constipation, among others, it is important that women make sure they go to the doctor. A doctor can do tests to determine blood iron levels and prescribe precisely the amount needed to bring iron to normal levels safely, and give instructions on how to minimize any side effects that may result.

These are a few points that will put you on the right track if you are searching for iron supplements. That will help them know just what they need to do to address their health concerns and feel better.




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