How Do Iron Supplements Help Anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide. Iron is essential for forming red blood cells and delivering oxygen throughout the body. Anemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells in the body.
Iron supplements help increase the amount of iron and hemoglobin in your body when consuming iron-rich food isn’t enough. This helps treat and resolve the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
How Long Do Iron Supplements Take to Work?
Generally, it takes two months of iron supplementation for serum levels to return to normal. However, continued supplementation may be recommended to build up your body’s iron stores.
Who Should Consider Supplementation?
Those who should consider supplementation are individuals with iron deficiency anemia, those with a low hemoglobin level, and those who are at risk of developing anemia due to certain medical conditions or medications.
Iron-Rich Foods vs. Iron Supplements for Anemia
Plant-based and animal foods contain iron. Eating an iron-rich diet may help maintain iron levels, but supplementation is required to resolve deficiencies.
Heme vs. Non-Heme Iron
Two forms of iron exist: heme and non-heme iron. Animal products like meat, fish, and poultry contain a mix of heme and non-heme iron. Plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and grains contain only non-heme iron.
Iron Absorption From Food
The body absorbs heme iron more easily. Still, iron has a low absorption rate from food. The amount of iron absorbed from foods is roughly 2% for dried beans, 4% for grains, 7-9% for leafy green vegetables, and 25-30% for organ meats.
Cooking Methods to Boost Iron
Cooking with cast iron pans adds non-heme iron to foods. Consider cooking red meat in a cast iron pan to boost iron content. Vegetarians and vegans should cook iron-rich legumes or leafy greens in a cast iron pan with vitamin C-rich foods like citrus to augment iron content and make it more bioavailable.
The Importance of Food and Supplements
Food may not always be the best way to resolve anemia because of its low absorption rate. Supplements supplement the diet, providing additional nutrients to support health. Prioritizing an iron-rich diet alongside an iron supplement may be most effective for increasing nutrient stores and resolving deficiency.
Conclusion
Supplements for anemia resolve iron deficiencies, improving health and physical functioning. Multiple iron supplements exist, but some are more effective and gentler on the body. Depending on your anemia’s severity, your healthcare provider will recommend a specific iron dosage to resolve it.
FAQs
Q: How do iron supplements help anemia?
A: Iron supplements help increase the amount of iron and hemoglobin in your body when consuming iron-rich food isn’t enough.
Q: How long do iron supplements take to work?
A: Generally, it takes two months of iron supplementation for serum levels to return to normal.
Q: Who should consider supplementation?
A: Individuals with iron deficiency anemia, those with a low hemoglobin level, and those at risk of developing anemia due to certain medical conditions or medications.
Q: What are the benefits of iron supplements?
A: Iron supplements help resolve iron deficiency anemia, improving health and physical functioning.
Q: How do I choose the right iron supplement?
A: Look for products independently tested or certified by organizations like NSF, U.S. Pharmacopeia, or ConsumerLab.com. Consult your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist, or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
