Why is Iron Harder to Supplement than Other Minerals?
Availability
Should people with iron disorders avoid iron and vitamin C supplements?
Iron supplements and vitamin C supplements should be avoided by people with iron disorders. The daily upper limits for iron intake, which include all sources of iron, are listed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In some cases, a doctor may prescribe higher doses of iron to treat iron deficiency. Iron is an essential mineral for many body functions.
What are the risks of taking iron supplements incorrectly?
Iron supplementation is an effective medication used in the management and treatment of iron deficiency anemia, as illustrated in the NCBI Bookshelf's "Iron Supplementation - StatPearls" (Jul 4, 2022). It is important to follow physicians instructions when taking this medication, as it can have adverse effects when taken incorrectly.
How can I increase iron absorption from foods?
Increasing the absorption of iron from foods can be achieved by eating foods rich in vitamin C, which helps capture non-heme iron and store it in a form that is more easily absorbed by the body, according to a study published on HealthLine in 2022. Vitamin C can also help increase iron absorption from plant-based foods and iron supplements. Consuming iron-rich foods with other sources of dietary fat can also help increase iron absorption.
Absorption
Why is iron important for the body?
Iron is an essential element for various metabolic processes in humans and its levels in the body are regulated only by absorption and excretion. According to StatPearls (NCBI, 2021), iron is necessary for DNA synthesis, electron transport, and oxygen transport. The bioavailability of iron from dietary sources can be affected by dietary components.
How can iron deficiency anemia be treated?
Iron supplementation is an effective medication used to treat iron deficiency anemia. According to StatPearls, a publication of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), iron is used to manage and treat iron deficiency anemia. In addition, studies have shown that iron supplementation is associated with improved cognitive development in children.
How can bioavailability of dietary iron be increased?
A higher bioavailability of dietary iron can be achieved by increasing the amount of ascorbic acid and meat/fish, or by decreasing the amount of inhibitors such as phytates and tannins, according to a study published in 1989 by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Iron absorption can be further improved by providing adequate amounts of vitamin C.
Bioavailability
Which supplements have the highest iron bioavailability?
Iron Vital F (®) and Spatone Apple (®) had the highest iron bioavailability, according to a study published in PubMed in 2015. Pregnacare also showed good iron absorption. Iron absorption from ferrous sulphate tablets was similar to Spatone (®) and Pregnacare.
Does supplementing with fungal phytase improve nutrient absorption?
Nutrient bioavailability can be significantly impacted by dietary phytate, as demonstrated by a clinical trial in humans where supplementation with an acid-stable fungal phytase from A. niger increased iron absorption from the diet. According to a controlled clinical trial published on ScienceDirect in 2019, supplementing with fungal phytase has been found to improve nutrient absorption. Humans and monogastric animals produce little to no endogenous phytase in the gastrointestinal tract.
What is the difference between heme and non-heme mineral sources?
The bioavailability of minerals from heme sources is higher than non-heme sources, according to TheHealthSite.com in 2017. This is due to the differences in the structure and composition of the food sources, which affects how well the minerals are absorbed by the body. Other factors that affect the bioavailability of minerals include food processing methods, the presence of phytate compounds, and food acidity.
Interactions with other minerals
Can iron supplements be taken with calcium, soy, acacia or zinc?
Iron supplements should not be taken with calcium, soy, acacia or zinc, as these combinations can result in reduced absorption or even the formation of an insoluble gel. From livestrong.com, calcium and soy may reduce iron absorption, while iron supplements may reduce zinc absorption. The side effects of an iron-acacia interaction are not known.
What mineral interactions are important to consider?
Nutritional interactions between minerals are important to consider when one of the minerals is at the lower limit of requirement, as this can cause deficiencies in other minerals. According to a study published in PubMed in 1989, mineral interactions of particular importance include sodium-potassium, calcium-magnesium, manganese-iron, iron-copper, and zinc-copper. Research has shown that trace element interaction of highest practical significance is that between copper and zinc.
Which vitamins and minerals can interact?
It is important to be aware of vitamin and mineral interactions when taking supplements, as certain combinations can reduce the absorption of each. For example, calcium can interfere with the absorption of zinc, magnesium, or iron, so it is best to talk to a doctor about the timing of each supplement to maximize absorption. MedicineNet (on medicinenet.com, 2021) recommends taking calcium and other minerals at different times to avoid any potential interaction. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E and vitamin C, may also interact with one another, so it is important to check with a doctor before taking them together.
Interactions with medications
What are the risks of taking iron supplements?
Iron supplementation can be beneficial to certain individuals, but can also have dangerous side effects if taken in excess. Cited on Verywell Health, taking iron supplements may reduce zinc absorption and lead to serious health issues such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and heart disease if taken in large amounts. In severe cases, iron overdoses of 60 or more can occur.
What role does iron play in the human body?
Iron is an essential element for various metabolic processes in humans and its levels are regulated by the body. An info from StatPearls, a publication of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), iron is necessary for DNA synthesis, electron transport, and oxygen transport. Iron is also involved in hemoglobin synthesis, enabling it to carry oxygen in the blood.
Do iron supplements cause drug interactions?
Iron supplements can cause a range of drug interactions due to the formation of iron-drug complexes, as demonstrated by a study published in PubMed in 1991 (Iron supplements: a common cause of drug interactions). In addition, drugs such as thyroxine, captopril and folic acid have also been found to form stable complexes with iron.
Cost
Should people take iron and vitamin C supplements to treat iron deficiency?
People should avoid using iron supplements and vitamin C supplements to treat iron deficiency, as the daily upper limits for iron intakes from all sourcesfood, beverages, and supplementsare set by the National Institutes of Health. According to NIH (2020), these upper limits should not be exceeded. People who need higher doses of iron due to iron deficiency might be prescribed more than the upper limit.
What are the effects of taking iron supplements in excess?
Iron is essential for red blood cell health and bodily functioning, and iron supplements can be taken to ensure adequate iron intake. Cited from Medical News Today, iron supplements come in various forms, have different uses, and can result in side effects if taken in excess. Research suggests that taking iron supplements may help prevent anemia in pregnant women.
What is the importance of iron in the body?
Iron is essential for good health and the body needs it to produce hemoglobin and myoglobin. As reported by Medical News Today, people need to consume heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body, as well as non-heme iron, which can be found in plant-based sources such as beans, nuts, and dark leafy vegetables. It is recommended that adults between 19 and 50 years old consume 8 to 18 milligrams of iron per day.
Toxicity
Can iron supplements cause side effects?
Iron supplements can be beneficial for people with iron deficiency, but they can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. As mentioned in WebMD, pregnant women are especially prone to constipation when taking iron supplements. It is important to consult with a doctor before starting any new supplement to ensure proper dosage.
Can iron poisoning occur from ingesting iron tablets?
Iron overdose has been a common cause of death among children younger than 6 years, and is often caused by children mistaking iron tablets for candy. As mentioned in Medscape, iron is also used in pediatric and prenatal vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as to treat anemia. Iron toxicity in adults, while less common, can still occur.
How much iron is too much?
Iron overload can be fatal if left untreated, so it is important to be aware of how much iron supplement is too much. An info from The Iron Disorders Institute, even a mild case of iron toxicity may increase one's risk for heart attack, diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver. Regular monitoring of iron levels is recommended, as excessive iron intake can have serious health consequences.
Formulation
Can taking iron supplements cause side effects?
Iron supplements are generally safe to take and unlikely to cause side effects when taken at the appropriate dosage. According to Medical News Today, in some cases, people taking iron supplements may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. It is important to consult with a doctor before taking any iron supplements to ensure the correct dosage.
What is the treatment for iron deficiency anemia?
Iron supplementation is an effective treatment for iron deficiency anemia, as illustrated by StatPearls from the NCBI Bookshelf. As indicated by their research, iron is used in the management and treatment of iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation has been found to improve cognitive function and reduce fatigue in patients with anemia.
What is iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency (iron shortage) or iron deficiency anemia can occur when the body does not get enough iron to produce normal red blood cells, according to Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org) in 2023. Iron is a mineral that is essential for this process. Iron supplements are available to help restore levels of iron in the body.
Easiness of digestion
Can iron supplements be beneficial?
Iron supplements can be beneficial to those who are deficient in iron, however, there are potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark stools, or constipation. Mentioned in WebMD, pregnant women should be especially mindful of the potential for constipation. Those taking iron supplements should be aware that it can inhibit the body's absorption of other minerals such as calcium and zinc.
What role do micronutrients play in the body?
Micronutrients are essential vitamins and minerals needed by the body in small amounts, and deficiency in any of them can lead to severe health conditions. From the World Health Organization (WHO), micronutrients play a key role in enabling the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances.
What helps the body absorb iron more easily?
Increasing iron absorption from foods can be achieved by consuming foods rich in vitamin C, which captures non-heme iron and stores it in a form that the body can absorb more easily, according to Healthline (on healthline.com, Aug 25, 2022). Vitamin C also helps produce collagen, an important component of bones and connective tissue.
Protein binding
What foods can increase iron absorption?
Increasing iron absorption from foods can be done by consuming foods rich in vitamin C, which helps capture and store non-heme iron in a form that is more easily absorbed by the body, according to a study published on Healthline.com in August 2022. Vitamin C also increases the bioavailability of dietary iron by reducing it to a more absorbable form. Research suggests that consuming foods high in fiber can help increase iron absorption as well.
Do you need iron supplements?
Iron supplements are recommended for those with certain medical conditions, such as frequent blood donors, people with cancer and gastrointestinal disorders, and those who have undergone gastric surgery, according to Healthline (2020). Iron is an essential mineral for the production of hemoglobin and for the formation of red blood cells.
Where can I get iron?
Iron is an essential mineral necessary for healthy red blood cells and overall health, which can be obtained from foods, supplements taken by mouth, and iron medicines prescribed by a doctor. Cited on the National Kidney Foundation, iron can be found in a wide variety of foods. Research has shown that iron is important for energy production and brain development.
Source:
- Nih : Iron - Consumer, National Institutes, Health.
- Nih : Iron Absorption, - NCBI.
- Nih : Iron bioavailability, commercially available iron supplements.
- Livestrong : Interactions, Iron Supplements, livestrong.
- Verywellhealth : Iron, Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, Interactions.
