Specifically, iron plays an important role in how your body makes the neurotransmitters called serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine – all of them important in mental health. Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write.
You may tire easily. You also may feel grumpy, have headaches, and have trouble concentrating. Most people begin to feel normal after a few weeks of taking iron pills. But you need to take the pills for several months to build up the iron supply in your body.
Some signs that iron pills are working for iron deficiency anemia include increased energy, less weakness, and less shortness of breath or dizziness.
Summary: Recent research emphasizes the role of iron, an often overlooked nutrient, in maintaining mental health. Researchers suggest iron deficiency could exacerbate mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Specifically, iron plays an important role in how your body makes the neurotransmitters called serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine – all of them important in mental health. Research suggests a connection between low iron levels and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, Levin and Gattari write.
Another reason why you might be feeling worse after taking iron supplements is that you might have chosen the wrong one. Certain kinds of iron, such as heme-iron polypeptide (HIP) are better suited for those who have difficulty digesting regular kinds of iron like ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate.
Some people experience side effects, especially from higher-dose iron pills resulting from poor absorption. The unabsorbed iron becomes oxidized and causes gut irritation, resulting in side effects such as constipation and nausea.
Common iron supplement side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dark stools, and a metallic taste in your mouth.
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.
The symptoms of iron poisoning are typically divided into five stages: Stage 1 (0-6 hours): Symptoms may include vomiting, vomiting blood, diarrhea, abdominal pain, irritability, and drowsiness. In serious cases, there may be rapid breathing, a rapid heart rate, coma, unconsciousness, seizures, and low blood pressure.
As iron overload also has a direct impact on adrenal function, it may cause changes in some stress hormones.
The iron supplement should be taken with a full cup of water to make sure it does not get stuck in the esophagus. 4. To reduce the risk of reflux, the person should not lie down for 30 to 60 minutes after taking the iron supplement.
The two key tests to detect iron overload are: Serum transferrin saturation. This test measures the amount of iron bound to the protein transferrin that carries iron in your blood. Transferrin saturation values greater than 45% are considered too high.
However, too much iron is toxic. Excess iron gets deposited in your organs, and this then interferes with normal body functions, as well as the production of hormones that regulate your metabolism and sex drive. Not surprisingly, you don't feel well.
Iron supplements can cause side effects, usually stomach upset such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark stools, or constipation. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to constipation. Adding extra fiber to your diet can help relieve this symptom. A stool softener may also make you feel better.
While there's little scientific evidence backing this claim up, weight gain from iron pills does happen 6. One study found that individuals with iron deficiency anemia complained of weight gain during their treatment, even though oral preparations of iron aren't known to cause weight gain as a side effect.
There is a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for iron, which is the amount that can be taken daily without causing severe health effects. The UL for iron in children under 14 is 40 mg. For those who are age 14 and older, it's 45 mg.
The best way to determine whether iron pills are working is to check your ferritin levels via a blood test. A ferritin test will show how much iron your body stores.
It can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks to feel better after taking iron supplements. You may feel better a few weeks after you start to take iron supplements. In some cases, it may take up to 6 months before you start to feel better.
When you should start to feel better depends on your particular situation. Normally, it may take from a week to a month after you start your iron supplement before you start to feel better.
In general, patients with iron deficient anemia should manifest a response to iron with reticulocytosis in three to seven days, followed by an increase in hemoglobin in 2-4 weeks.
As red cells break down over time, the iron in the hemoglobin is released. Your body has no natural way to rid itself of excess iron, so extra iron is stored in body tissues. That's why patients receiving transfusions are at risk for iron overload. Your body normally stores up to 3 or 4 grams of iron.
In this case, you can take iron supplements with food or immediately after eating your meal. Taking the supplement before bedtime also ensures increased iron absorption, as your stomach will most likely empty before bedtime. Eating your meal at least two hours earlier before sleep would help increase iron absorption.