Iron ismineral supplements that are useful for preventing and overcoming iron deficiency anemia. Iron is a mineral that plays an important role in the formation of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is part of red blood cells whose job is to deliver oxygen to all body tissues.
When experiencing iron deficiency, the formation of hemoglobin will be inhibited and a person can experience iron deficiency anemia. Some complaints and symptoms that can arise when a person has iron deficiency anemia are weakness, fatigue, lethargy, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, and increased heart rate.
Naturally, the need for iron can be met by regularly consuming nuts, lean red meat, chicken or beef liver, soy milk, tofu and tempeh, brown rice, and dark leafy green vegetables, such as spinach.
Iron supplements are used when a person is deficient in iron or when a person cannot meet their iron needs naturally. Some conditions that are prone to causing iron deficiency are bleeding, pregnancy, or food malabsorption. Iron supplements are available in tablet, syrup, capsule, or injectable form.
Iron trademark: Blackmores Koalakids Multi Chewables, Cymafort, Domavit, Engran, Esfolate, Ferrikid, Formom, Isomenopace, Kidplus Syrup, Maltiron Gold, Menopace, Neo Alora, Nature's Plus Pow Teen, Perfectil Platinum, Sangovitin, Sangobion Vita-Tonic, Taburia, Virabion, Vita Lea, Vita Crowning Glory, Zamel
What is Iron
| group | Free medicine |
| Category | Mineral supplements |
| Benefit | Prevent and treat iron deficiency anemia |
| Used by | Adults, children and seniors |
| Iron for pregnant women and breastfeeding | Category A:Controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown any risk to the fetus, and it is unlikely that harm to the fetus is possible. Iron can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding do not use this medicine without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules, syrups and injections |
Warning Before Consuming Iron
The following are things you need to pay attention to before using iron supplements:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Iron supplements should not be used by someone who is allergic to these supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you have hemochromatosis. Iron supplements should not be used by patients with these conditions.
- Talk to your doctor about using iron supplements if you have or are currently suffering from blood disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, such as peptic ulcers or colitis.
- Talk to your doctor about using iron supplements if you regularly undergo blood transfusions.
- Consult a doctor about the use of iron supplements in children, because this age group is more at risk for iron overload.
- Talk to your doctor about using iron supplements if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Talk to your doctor if you plan to take iron supplements with certain supplements, herbal products, or medications.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a medication or an overdose after using an iron supplement.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Iron
The following is an iron supplement dosage for preventing and treating iron deficiency anemia:
- Mature: Treatment dose 65–200 mg, 2–3 times daily. The preventive dose is 65 mg daily.
- Children: The dose of treatment is 3–6 mg/kg, 3 times a day. The maximum dose is 200 mg daily.
- seniors: 15–50 mg daily.
Nutritional Adequacy Rate (RDA) of Iron
Daily iron needs can be met from food, supplements, or a combination of the two. The following is the nutritional adequacy rate (RDA) of iron per day based on age and gender:
- Children 7–12 months: 11 mg per day
- Children 1–3 years: 7 mg per day
- Children 4–8 years: 10 mg per day
- Children 9–13 years: 8 mg per day
- Boys 14–18 years: 11 mg per day
- Girls ages 14–18: 15 mg per day
- Men 19 years and over: 8 mg per day
- Women aged 19–50 years: 18 mg per day
- Women aged 51 and over: 8 mg per day
- Pregnant women: 27 mg per day
- Breastfeeding mothers: 9 mg per day
How to Take Iron Supplements Correctly
Vitamin and mineral supplements are consumed to complement the body's need for vitamins and minerals, especially when the intake of vitamins and minerals from food cannot meet the body's needs.
Use iron supplements tablets or capsules according to the description and instructions listed on the packaging. When in doubt, discuss with your doctor to find out the right dose for your condition. Keep in mind, the administration of injectable iron supplements will be carried out by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
For iron syrup supplements, shake the bottle before taking it. Use the measuring spoon or dropper provided in the box to determine the dosage. Do not use a regular tablespoon or teaspoon as the dosage may vary.
Iron supplements are more easily absorbed by the bloodstream if taken 1 hour before meals or on an empty stomach.
Store iron supplements in a closed container at room temperature, in a dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Keep this supplement out of reach of children.
Interaction of Iron Supplements with Other Drugs
The use of iron together with other drugs can cause drug interactions. Some of the effects of drug interactions that can arise are:
- Decreased levels of bisphosphonates, levodopa, methyldopa, penicillamine, entacapone, levothyroxine, or tetracycline or quinolone antibiotics
- Decreased effectiveness of iron when used with antacids, or medications containing zinc, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, or trientin
- Decreased gastrointestinal iron levels when used with cholestyramine or chloramphenicol
In addition to the drugs above, also avoid taking iron supplements along with certain foods or drinks, such as milk and its processed products, whole grain breads, cereals, tea, and coffee. This is because these foods and drinks can reduce the absorption of iron by the body.
Side Effects and Dangers of Iron
Iron supplements are safe if consumed according to the rules of use and doctor's recommendations. However, in some people, certain side effects can appear, such as constipation, nausea, vomiting, black stools, stomach pain, or even diarrhea.
Check with your doctor if these side effects get worse or don't get better. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction after taking iron supplements.