Iron supplements should be taken at any time of the day, but they work better when taken first thing in the morning. This is because the body absorbs iron better when it has been fasting for about 8 hours. If you take them later in the day, then the body may absorb less iron.
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.
According to a specialist, you should take iron early in the morning to have a good effect, because at this time the body has just undergone a long sleep and this period is when the calcium and iron levels in the body are at a low level. best. Therefore, every day taking iron in the morning is what experts recommend.
Iron is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, with water or fruit juice (adults: full glass or 8 ounces; children: ½ glass or 4 ounces), about 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. However, to lessen the possibility of stomach upset, iron may be taken with food or immediately after meals.
Iron supplements, used to treat or reduce the risk of anaemia, are best taken in the morning, an hour or so before breakfast, as they are most effective when taken on an empty stomach. That is because foods such as tea, coffee and milk generally inhibit the absorption of iron.
Effects of iron supplements on sleep
Results showed a significant improvement in the severity of symptoms for restless leg syndrome, fatigue, and sleep quality. Additionally, participants experienced a significant decrease in headaches, dyspnoea (shortness of breath), and heart palpitations.
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).
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.
– It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks of taking regular iron supplements before your symptoms start to improve. – You may need to keep taking iron for several months to build up your iron reserves and keep your anemia from returning. Take your pills for as long as your doctor recommends, even if your symptoms have improved.
You shouldn't take iron supplements with milk, caffeine, antacids or calcium supplements. Try to take your iron supplement with vitamin C (for example, a glass of orange juice) to increase absorption.
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.
A large 2020 study in BMC Psychiatry found that people with iron deficiency anemia had a significantly higher incidence and risk of anxiety disorders, depression, sleep disorder, and psychotic disorders.
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.
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.
If you take iron supplements, waiting at least one hour before having your coffee is best. This is because coffee and other caffeinated drinks can reduce iron absorption in the body. Waiting for an hour can give your body enough time to absorb the iron properly.
Malabsorption is when your body can't absorb iron from food, and is another possible cause of iron deficiency anaemia. This may happen if you have coeliac disease, a common digestive condition where a person has an adverse reaction to gluten, or surgery to remove all or part of your stomach (gastrectomy).
In most cases, iron and magnesium are safe to supplement together. However, be careful with the form of magnesium you choose. There is some evidence showing an interaction between iron and antacids, including magnesium oxide 8.
Constipation and diarrhea are very common. If constipation becomes a problem, take a stool softener such as docusate sodium (Colace). Nausea and vomiting may occur with higher doses, but they can usually be controlled by taking the iron in smaller amounts.
This is true for even very simple foods, such as tea, coffee, chocolate, and milk. Maltofer, on the other hand, can be taken at any time with food without affecting the absorption of iron.
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.
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.
Tea, coffee and wine contain tannins that reduce iron absorption by binding to the iron and carrying it out of the body. Phytates and fibres found in wholegrains such as bran can reduce the absorption of iron and other minerals.
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.