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.
Table of Contents
What are the side effects of taking iron tablets?
- feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting), stomach discomfort or heartburn.
- loss of appetite.
- constipation.
- diarrhoea.
- dark or black poo.
- black stained teeth (from the liquid only)
Can iron cause soft stools?
Do Iron Pills Cause Diarrhea? According to Dartmouth College Health Services, the effects of iron supplements on bowel movements include both constipation and diarrhea. Another side effect of iron pills is nausea.
Does iron Make your bowels move?
Does iron cause constipation? In some people, oral iron may cause constipation. To diminish symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort, some people take their iron supplements with food or with a stool softener to try and offset constipation.
Does black poop mean iron tablets are working?
Taking iron tablets will turn the stool a dark, almost black color (actually dark green). This is normal, and does not mean that the iron tablets are causing intestinal bleeding. Children are at particular risk of iron poisoning (overdose), making it very important to store iron tablets out of the reach of children.
When is the best time to take iron tablets morning or night?
As a rule, people that take an iron supplement should take it in the morning, on an empty stomach, with water or a drink containing vitamin C. And for those who have a sensitive stomach, their best bet is to take their iron right after a meal.
How do you stop diarrhea when taking iron tablets?
Yet, iron supplements can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhea in some people. You may need to take iron with a small amount of food to avoid this problem. Milk, calcium and antacids should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements.
Is it OK to take iron tablets everyday?
If you take iron supplements, do not take too much as this could be harmful. Taking 17mg or less a day of iron supplements is unlikely to cause any harm. But continue taking a higher dose if advised to by a GP.
How do I know if I’m taking too much iron?
Among the initial signs of iron poisoning are nausea and abdominal pain. Vomiting blood can also occur. Iron poisoning can also lead to diarrhea and dehydration. Sometimes, too much iron causes stools to turn black and bloody.
How long does it take to get iron levels up?
It may take 6 months to one year for your body to restock its iron stores. Your iron levels will be regularly reviewed with blood tests. If you have an underlying problem that is causing your iron deficiency, it is very important that the cause is investigated.
When should I stop taking iron supplements?
Your healthcare provider will let you know how long you have to take an iron supplement. After your hemoglobin and iron levels are back to normal, you may need to continue the iron supplement for another six months.
What should you not take with iron supplements?
Do not take iron supplements and antacids or calcium supplements at the same time. It is best to space doses of these 2 products 1 to 2 hours apart, to get the full benefit from each medicine or dietary supplement.
Do iron pills cause weight gain?
Iron Pills and Weight Gain Neither WebMD nor Mayo Clinic links iron tablets and weight gain. It’s not even listed as a rare side effect. However, there are anecdotal reports of women who claim their iron supplements have caused weight gain. But there’s scant scientific research to support these claims.
What happens when you stop taking iron pills?
Having too little iron means your blood cannot carry enough oxygen around your body. This makes you feel tired. Taking ferrous sulfate can give you more energy by boosting your iron levels.
Do iron pills make you lose weight?
We found that diet-induced weight gain and hepatic lipid accumulation were reduced by iron supplementation. Furthermore, we found that iron regulates mitochondrial signaling pathways—gene transcription of mitochondrial component molecule synthesis and their energy metabolism.
Why is my body not absorbing iron?
Your body can’t absorb iron. Conditions like celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease can make it harder for your intestines to absorb iron. Surgery such as gastric bypass that removes part of your intestines, and medicines used to lower stomach acid can also affect your body’s ability to absorb iron.
What is the proper way to take iron pills?
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.
What color is your poop when taking iron?
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.
Can I take vitamin D and iron together?
There is no reported issue with vitamin D and iron supplements, according to the National Institutes of Health.
How quickly do iron tablets work?
– 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.
What can I drink to boost my iron?
- Prune Juice. Dried plums, also known as prunes, are a rich source of plant-based iron.
- Beetroot Juice.
- Pea Protein Shakes.
- Spinach, Cashew, Coconut and Raspberry Smoothie.
- Pumpkin Juice.
- Mulberry Smoothie.
- Flaxseed and Sesame Smoothie.
- Beet and Orange Smoothie.
Is diarrhea a symptom of anemia?
In addition to the symptoms common to all types of anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia can cause other symptoms, such as: Diarrhea or constipation. Loss of appetite.
What does iron do for a woman’s body?
Your body uses iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Your body also needs iron to make some hormones.
Which fruit has maximum iron?
Summary: Prune juice, olives and mulberries are the three types of fruit with the highest iron concentration per portion. These fruit also contain antioxidants and a variety of other nutrients beneficial to health.
How long should you wait to drink coffee after taking iron?
If you are taking iron supplements and eating high-iron foods, you should consume them at least one hour before and more than one hour after consuming coffee and other iron absorption inhibitors.