Warning To Ladies – When NOT To Take Supplements

Health Wellness

By the very nature of our sexual differences, women have a greater need to eat iron rich foods or take iron supplements. The reason is obvious to most, but for the sake of explanation, the main reason is to help prevent anemia associated with the monthly loss of blood due to the menstrual cycle. However, there are other reasons to take iron supplements, as pointed out by Healthline.com:

  1. You have iron deficiency anemia – Iron is necessary for red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of the body, without the needed iron, anemia sets in, resulting in fatigue, weakness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating and in more severe cases, chest pains.
  2. You’re pregnant – It is recommended that pregnant women take nearly double the amount of iron as non-pregnant women.
  3. You have an infant – While in the womb, babies store up extra iron that they use up during the first 6 months after being born. Taking iron while breast feeding is important after the first 6 months. It is also recommended that moms make sure they give their infants enough iron as they grow and develop.
  4. You menstruate – The loss of blood during menstruation can and often lead to anemia, hence the importance of taking iron.
  5. You exercise – Although the exact reason is not known, it has been found that female athletes often face an increased risk of iron deficiency. It may possibly be due to the need of more red blood cells to fuel the muscles with oxygen and other vital nutrients.
  6. You experience regular blood loss – Any regular blood loss such as bleeding ulcers, bloody noses or wounds that won’t heal properly.
  7. You’re on dialysis – One of the functions of the kidneys it to produce the hormone that instructs the body to make red blood cells. If the kidneys are not working well, resulting in the need for dialysis, the body needs extra iron to help with the supply of red blood cells.
  8. You take iron depleting medications – A number of medications and supplements can lead to a depletion of iron, they include – quinolones such as Cipro and levofloxacin; tetracycline; ranitidine (Zantac) and omeprazole (Prilosec); angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors taken for high blood pressure and colestipol (Colestid) and cholestyramine (Prevalite) for cholesterol lowering bile acid sequestrants.
  9. You have ADHD – Research has indicted that those suffering from ADHD tend to have lower levels or iron.
  10. You have ACE inhibitor associated cough – ACE inhibitors are prescribed for a number of health conditions and one of the side effects can be a dry cough. It was found that taking ferrous sulfate (a common form of iron supplement) two hours after taking the ACE inhibitors, reduced the dry cough.

Most people take their vitamins and supplements at the same time, 2-3 times a day, without realizing that they may be making a big mistake.

Iron is an essential mineral. However, like many other nutrients, it is harmful in high amounts. In fact, iron is so toxic that its absorption from the digestive tract is tightly controlled.

According to one source:

TIPS FOR TAKING IRON

Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. 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. You should wait at least 2 hours after having these foods before taking your iron supplements.

Foods that you should NOT eat at the same time as you take your iron include:

  • High fiber foods, such as whole grains, raw vegetables, and bran
  • Foods or drinks with caffeine

Some doctors suggest taking a vitamin C supplement or drinking orange juice with your iron pill. This can help the iron absorb into your body. Drinking 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of fluid with an iron pill is also OK.

Tell your provider about all the medicines you are taking.

  • Iron tablets may cause other drugs you are taking to not work as well. Some of these include tetracycline, penicillin, and ciprofloxacin and drugs used for hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, and seizures.
  • Medicines that reduce stomach acid will impair iron absorption. Your provider may suggest changing these.
  • Wait at least 2 hours between doses of these drugs and iron supplements.

You also need to know that taking iron supplements can have side effects which include constipation and diarrhea. Taking too much iron can result in nausea and vomiting. Another side effect of taking iron is black looking stools. Some experts say that black stool is a sign the iron is working properly, however, if the black stools are tarry looking or have red streaks or you are cramping or have sharp pains, you need to see your doctor.

Not only is it suggested that someone take orange juice with their iron tablets, but also use any other fruit juice or tomato juice.

Also, remember to store your iron supplement in a cool area and away from heat.

It’s important to take your iron supplement, but it’s also important to take it properly!

 

Related Posts