Iron is an essential mineral that is required for human life. It is one of the most abundant metals on Earth, comprising nearly 5.6% of the earth's crust and nearly all of the earth's core. Much of the iron in the body is found in red blood cells and functions primarily as a carrier of oxygen to every cell in the body, both as a part of hemoglobin in the blood and of myoglobin in the muscles. It also aids in immune function, cognitive development, temperature regulation, energy metabolism, and work performance.
Extra iron is stored in the liver, bone marrow, spleen, and muscles. About 90% of the iron in our body is conserved and reused every day; the rest is excreted. Men are able to naturally store more iron than women. In order to maintain iron balance in the body for both men and women, dietary iron must supply enough iron to meet the 10% gap that our body has excreted or else deficiency will result.
In addition to helping build the world around us, iron helps keep plants and animals alive. Iron plays a role in the creation of chlorophyll in plants and is an essential part of hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen within red blood cells.
Not having enough iron can lead to anemia. The most common symptoms of anemia are weakness and fatigue -- one reason people who are iron deficient get tired easily is because their cells don't get enough oxygen. Pregnant women, young women during their reproductive years, and children tend to be at the highest risk of iron deficiency.
It can be caused by blood loss such as that from a bleeding ulcer, menstruation, severe trauma, surgery, or a malignant tumor. It can also be caused by an iron poor diet, not absorbing enough dietary iron, pregnancy, and the rapid growth that takes place during infancy, early childhood, and adolescence.
On the other hand, too much iron in the body can lead to a condition known as hemochromatosis, which can cause diabetes, liver damage, and discoloration of the skin. Unlike other nutrients, excess iron cannot be excreted by the human body. For that reason, you shouldn't take iron supplements on your own -- ask your doctor if you need extra iron.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), iron deficiency is the number one nutritional disorder in the world. Up to 80% of the world's population may be iron deficient, and 30% may have iron deficiency anemia.
People take iron supplements for preventing and treating low levels of iron (iron deficiency) and the resulting iron deficiency anemia. In people with iron deficiency anemia, the red blood cells can't carry enough oxygen to the body because they don't have enough iron. People with this condition often feel very tired.
Iron is also used for improving athletic performance and treating attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and canker sores. Some people also use iron for Crohn's disease, depression, fatigue, and the inability to get pregnant.
Women sometimes take iron supplements to make up for iron lost in heavy menstrual periods. Iron-rich foods, such as pork, ham, chicken, fish, beans, and especially beef, liver, and lamb are also used.
Iron catalysts are used in the Haber-Bosch Process to produce ammonia and the Fischer-Tropsch Process to convert carbon monoxide to hydrocarbons used for fuels and lubricants.
Iron metal is strong but is also quite cheap. Therefore, it is the most common metal in use today. Most automobiles, machine tools, the hulls of large ships, building parts and machine parts are made out of iron.
Stainless steel is a very common type of steel. Steel is made by combining iron with other metals. Stainless steel is used in building parts, cooking pots and pans, cutlery and surgical equipment. It is also used in aircraft and automobiles. Stainless steel is also 100% recyclable.
Iron chloride (FeCl3) is a very important compound. It is used in the treatment of sewage, as a dye for cloth, as a coloring agent for paint, an additive in animal feed, an in the manufacture of printed circuit boards.
Iron sulfate (FeSO4) is used to treat iron deficiency (anemia). It also removes very small sewage particles in water tanks.
Iron, when consumed in balanced amount in the human diet, is efficient in providing a number of benefits as given below:
Hemoglobin formation: Formation of hemoglobin happens to be the chief function of this mineral. Not only that, being a part of hemoglobin, it gives the dark red shade to the blood and also aids in transporting oxygen to the body cells.
Muscle function: Iron is a vital element for muscle health. It is present in the muscle tissues and helps in supply of oxygen required for contraction of muscles.
Brain function: Development of brain is also one of the many benefits of iron. Since oxygen supply to blood is aided by iron and brain uses approximately 20% of the blood oxygen, iron is directly related to brain health and its functions.
Restless leg syndrome: Iron deficiency is one of the causes of the restless leg syndrome. Most research on this syndrome has concentrated on iron. Lower level of iron in the blood is a major cause and hence proper intake of iron supplements in required levels as per doctor's consultation can cure this problem.
Regulation of body temperature: Iron is a facilitator for regulating body temperature. An interesting fact is that it has the ability to regulate as per the absorption capacity of the body.
Oxygen carrier: One of the most important health benefits of iron is that it acts as a carrier of oxygen and thus participates in transferring oxygen from one body cell to other. This is an important function of iron, as oxygen is required by each and every body part to perform routine functions.
Neurotransmitters synthesis: Iron actively takes part in the synthesis of a number of essential neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, along with serotonin. These chemicals play major role in different activities involving neurons and human brain.
Iron deficiency anemia: Iron is helpful in the treatment of severe disorder called iron deficiency anemia, which results due to lack of adequate amount of iron in human body.
Chronic diseases: The mineral called iron helps in the treatment of chronic disorders like renal failure anemia.
Anemia in women: Iron may also exhibit its health benefits in curing anemia resulting in women during pregnancy or menstruation.
Predialysis anemia: It is recommended by health experts that iron qualifies to treat another form of anemia called predialysis anemia. However, one must consult a medical expert to get treatment for this problem.
Fatigue: Health benefits of iron also include eradication of different causes of fatigue, which may occur in men as well as women. Iron deficiency is a natural cause of fatigue since it is an important component of hemoglobin. So, the inclusion of iron in your diet keeps you fit and healthy.
Immune system: Iron also plays a key role in providing strength to the immune system of human body. Thus, the body is made proficient enough to fight against a number of diseases and infections.
Energy metabolism: Iron is an important spectator of energy metabolism in human body by which, the energy is extracted from the food consumed and distributed to different body parts.
Enzyme systems: Iron happens to be the most important constituent of different enzyme systems and other important constituents like myoglobin, the cytochromes and catalase.
Insomnia: Iron is also useful in treating insomnia in human body and also improves the sleeping benefits in the life of an individual.
Concentration: Iron, when consumed in sufficient amount in the diet, builds concentration amongst the students and professional people to carry out their work efficiently.
Iron is also Possibly Effective for:
Learning problems. Taking iron might help improve thinking, learning, and memory in children with low levels of iron.
Coughs caused by ACE inhibitors. Medications used for high blood pressure called ACE inhibitors can sometimes cause coughing as a side effect. Some research shows that taking an iron supplement might reduce or prevent this side effect. The ACE inhibitor medications include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), and many others.
Heart failure. Up to 20% of people who have heart failure also have low levels of iron in the body. Some research shows that giving iron intravenously can improve some symptoms of heart failure. It is not yet known if taking an iron supplement by mouth would help.
Insufficient Evidence for:
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Developing research shows that taking iron sulfate (an iron-containing chemical compound) improves some measures of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with iron deficiency after 1-3 months of treatment. However, iron can be toxic in children who have normal levels of iron, so you should not give iron supplements to a child without a doctor's supervision.
Fatigue. There is some early evidence that iron supplements might improve unexplained fatigue in non-anemic women.
Improving athletic performance. Some studies suggest that iron deficiency, even at levels too low to cause anemia, can cause a lack of energy. A few -- though not all -- studies have found that taking iron supplements improved sports performance in those who had slightly low levels of iron.
Canker sores.
A digestive tract disease called Crohn's disease.
Depression.
Female infertility.
Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Restless leg syndrome.
Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate iron for these uses.
Main articles: Iron Deficiency; Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency is one of the most common of the nutritional deficiencies. Iron deficiency is a significant public health problem in young children because their bodies need iron to grow and develop. Health care providers sometimes recommend iron supplements. Do not give iron supplements to infants or children under 18 unless under the supervision of a doctor.
Iron deficiency may often cause severe fatigue, body weakness and related health ailments. People with lack of iron cannot perform normal functions to their best abilities. Women and children need more iron than the male counterparts. A person with low iron level is likely to be anemic. Severe iron deficiency may cause progressive skin ailments that may cause brittleness of nails and extra smoothness in tongue area.
Causes of iron deficiency in adults include inadequate dietary intake, chronic blood loss (through menstruation or other causes), times of increased need such as pregnancy, inability to absorb or properly use iron and vigorous exercise. Iron deficiency can lead to anaemia. Children and pre-menopausal women are the groups most prone to the disease. Treatment for iron deficiency usually involves taking iron supplements to replace the missing iron and making any necessary changes to address the underlying cause.
Main article: Iron Rich Foods
There are 2 types of iron you can get from food: heme and non heme.
Heme iron is more easily absorbed by the body. Approximately 40% of iron found in meat is heme, with the best sources being liver and other organ meats, seafood, fish, and shellfish (particularly oysters), lean red meat, and poultry.
Non heme iron is provided from plant sources and elemental components of animal tissues. It is less efficiently absorbed, and its absorption amount depends upon the body's needs (if there are low stores, more iron will be absorbed and vice versa). Non heme sources that are high in iron include dried beans and peas, legumes, eggs, nuts and seeds, fortified breads, cereals, and flours, whole grains, dark molasses, and green leafy vegetables. Some nutrients help the body better absorb this kind of iron. For example, vitamin C such as citrus fruits and juices like orange juice helps the absorption of this type of iron while calcium (including all dairy products), bran, tea, and unprocessed whole grain products block its absorption.
Iron supplements commonly cause stomach upset, including discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn. Liquid iron supplements may blacken teeth. Taking iron supplements will often darken stool color. When taken at recommended dosages, serious adverse consequences are unlikely. However, excessive dosages of iron can be toxic—damaging the intestines and liver, and possibly resulting in death. Iron poisoning in children is a surprisingly common problem, so make sure to keep your iron supplements out of their reach.
Intravenous (IV) iron, given in a hospital to treat severe anemia, can lead to headache, fever, swollen lymph nodes, painful joints, hives, and worsening of rheumatoid arthritis. In rare instances it can cause a life threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Some enteric coated or controlled release iron products might reduce nausea for some people; however, these products also have less absorption by the body.
Mildly excessive levels of iron may be unhealthy for another reason: it acts as an oxidant (the opposite of an antioxidant), perhaps increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease (although this is controversial). In people with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) the parts of the intestine that are inflamed appear to have higher amounts of iron. Elevated levels of iron may also play a role in brain injury caused by stroke. In addition, excess iron appears to increase complications of pregnancy, and, if breastfed infants who are not iron-deficient are given iron supplements, the effects may be negative rather than positive.
Note: Simultaneous use of iron supplements and high-dose vitamin C can greatly increase iron absorption, possibly leading to excessive iron levels in the body.
Iron overload disease is usually due to an inherited condition called hemochromatosis. But it may occur in people who take large amounts of iron over a long period of time. Symptoms include skin discoloration, diabetes, and liver damage, among other potential complications. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), taking up to 45 mg of iron per day is safe. Whether taking more than that over a long period of time is safe is unknown. Severe iron overdose occurs when amounts of iron 50 -100 times greater than the recommended dietary dose are taken. Such iron toxicity can destroy cells in the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and even death. Iron poisoning is the most common accidental poisoning in children. Keep iron supplements in childproof bottles and out of the reach of children.
Iron is LIKELY SAFE for most people when it is used appropriately. However, it can cause side effects including stomach upset and pain, constipation or diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Taking iron supplements with food seems to reduce some of these side effects. But food can also reduce how well the body absorbed iron. Iron should be taken on an empty stomach if possible. But if it causes too many side effects, it can be taken with food. Try to avoid taking it with foods containing dairy products, coffee, tea, or cereals.
High doses of iron are UNSAFE, especially for children. Iron is the most common cause of poisoning deaths in children. Doses as low as 60 mg/kg can be fatal. Iron poisoning can cause many serious problems including stomach and intestinal distress, liver failure, dangerously low blood pressure, and death. If you suspect an adult or child has taken more than the recommended amount of iron, call your healthcare professional or the nearest poison control center immediately.
Iron is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women who have enough iron stored in their bodies when used in doses below the tolerable upper intake level (UL) of 45 mg per day of elemental iron. The UL is the highest level of intake at which no harmful side effects are expected. However, iron is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses. If you don't have iron deficiency, don't take more than 45 mg per day of elemental iron per day. Higher doses frequently cause stomach and intestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting. High levels of hemoglobin at the time of delivery are associated with bad pregnancy outcomes. Hemoglobin is the molecule in red blood cells that contains iron.
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Diabetes: There is concern that a diet that is high in iron might increase the risk of heart disease in women with type 2 diabetes, although this has not been proven. If you have diabetes, discuss your iron intake with your healthcare provider.
Stomach or
intestinal ulcers: Iron might cause irritation and make these
conditions worse. Use iron with care.
Intestinal
inflammation, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease: Iron
might cause irritation and make these conditions worse. Use iron with
care.
Hemoglobin disease, such as thalassemia: Taking iron might cause iron overload in people with these conditions. If you have a hemoglobin disease, don't take iron unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider.
Premature infants: Giving iron to premature infants with low blood levels of vitamin E can cause serious problems. The vitamin E deficiency should be corrected before giving iron. Talk with your healthcare provider before giving iron to a premature infant.
If you are being treated with any of the medications discussed below, you should not use iron without first talking to your health care provider.
Iron can interfere with the absorption of many different medications. For this reason, it is best to take iron supplements at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking medications.
These medications should not be taken with iron:
Allopurinol (Zyloprim) -- Used to treat gout, this medicine can increase the amount of iron stored in the liver.
Penicillamine -- Concomitant use with iron may reduce the absorption of penicillamine.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- These drugs increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Because iron supplements can also cause stomach upset, you should not take iron supplements if you take NSAIDs unless under your doctor's supervision.
The following medications may reduce the absorption of iron:
Cholestyramine and Colestipol -- These are 2 medications given to lower cholesterol that are known as bile acid sequestrants.
Medications used to treat ulcers, GERD, or other stomach problems -- Some of these medications change the PH in stomach acid, making it harder to absorb iron. One class of medications is known as H2 receptor blockers. These medications include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine (Axid). It's possible that a similar effect could occur with proton pump inhibitors, including esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and omeprazole (Prilosec). So far there's no evidence that people who take proton pump inhibitors have lower levels of iron, however.
Antacids -- Antacids such as TUMS and Rolaids may decrease the absorption of iron.
Iron decreases the absorption of the following medications:
Tetracyclines -- Antibiotics that include doxycycline (Vibramycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline.
Quinolones -- Antibiotics that include ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and levofloxacin (Levaquin).
Bisphosphonates -- Medications used to treat osteoporosis that include alendronate (Fosamax), risedronate (Actonel), etidronate (Didronel), ibandronate (Boniva), and zoledronate (Zometa).
ACE inhibitors -- Medications used to treat high blood pressure. Examples include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), and lisinopril (Zestril or Prinivil).
Iron may reduce the effectiveness or blood levels of the following medications:
Carbidopa and Levodopa -- Iron lowers blood levels of carbidopa and levedopa (Sinemet), but it is unclear that lowers the effectiveness of the drugs.
Levothyroxine -- Iron may decrease the effectiveness of this thyroid replacement hormone. Your doctor should monitor thyroid function closely if you take iron supplements with thyroid medications, including Armour Thyroid and levothyroxine (Synthroid).
Never give a child or adult higher amounts of iron without the special advice your healthcare provider. Iron overdose is fatal, especially in children.
The following doses have
been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For treating iron-deficiency in adults: 50-100 mg elemental iron three times daily. For treating children with iron deficiency anemia: the dose is 4-6 mg/kg per day divided into three doses. For both adults and children, 2-3 months of treatment can reverse anemia but might not rebuild the body's supply of stored iron. Therefore, treatment is usually continued another 6 months to build up the body's iron reserves.
For preventing iron deficiency in children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends iron supplements for some groups. For breast-fed infants, elemental iron 1 mg/kg/day is recommended from ages 4-6 months. Infants from 6-12 months should get 11 mg/day from food or supplements. For pre-term infants, 2 mg/kg/day for the first year is recommended. This should be continued until the baby is switched to formula or otherwise getting enough iron from food sources. Formula-fed children get enough iron from infant formula. Toddlers aged 1-3 years usually get enough iron from foods to meet the recommended daily amount of 7 mg/day; however, a supplement can be added if needed.
For improving learning and thinking skills in iron-deficient adolescents: 650 mg ferrous sulfate twice daily.
For cough caused by ACE inhibitors: 256 mg ferrous sulfate daily.
Recommendations for iron are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences.
Infants and children (under 18 years of age)
Do not give iron supplements to infants or children under 18 unless under the supervision of a doctor.
Infants 0 - 6 months: 0.27 mg daily.
Infants 7 - 12 months: 11 mg daily
Children 1 - 3 years: 7 mg daily
Children 4 - 8 years: 10 mg daily
Children 9 - 13 years: 8 mg daily
Male children 14 - 18 years: 11 mg daily
Female children 14 - 18 years: 15 mg daily
Breastfed babies easily absorb the iron in breast milk. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life. However, iron fortified baby formulas are also available. You should gradually introduce iron enriched solid foods while still breastfeeding when your baby is older than 6 months of age. Infants weaned from breast milk before 12 months of age should receive iron fortified infant formula.
Adult
Male 19 - 50 years: 8 mg daily
Female adults 19 - 50 years: 18 mg daily
Adults 51 years and older: 8 mg daily
Pregnant females ages 14 - 50 years: 27 mg daily
Nursing females ages 14 - 18 years: 10 mg daily
Nursing females ages 19 - 50 years: 9 mg daily
Tolerable Upper Intake
Levels (UL), the highest intake at which no unwanted side effects are
expected, for iron are: infants and children birth to age 13, 40
mg/day; people age 14 and older (including pregnancy and
breastfeeding), 45 mg/day. UL recommendations do not apply to people
under medical supervision for iron deficiency.
There are many
forms of iron supplements which contain different amounts of
elemental iron: 1 gram of ferrous gluconate = 120 mg elemental iron
(12% iron); 1 gram of ferrous sulfate = 200 mg elemental iron (20%
iron); 1 gram of ferrous fumarate = 330 mg elemental iron (33% iron).
The effectiveness and side effects are similar for these different
forms when used in equal doses of elemental iron.
The following reviews have been selected:
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47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars, December 6, 2007
By Sarah Hutzler
I prefer this brand of iron supplements. They do not flush out of your system quickly, and they are affordable. Since I have used these in conjunction with my multi-vitamin my hair has grown faster, white marks on my fingernails have disappeared, I don't freeze all of the time, and I'm not as exhausted during my workouts. I recommend that any woman that is of a child-bearing age take these. Blood tests showed that the iron level in my blood was good, and all of these above listed symptoms persisted. No doctor ever recommended that I take an iron pill. Taking this supplement has benefitted me more than any vitamin or supplement I've ever taken.
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Reviewer: asrealascanbe, 55-64 Male, 9/16/2011 7:55:21 AM
Reason for taking: Fatigue
Comment:
when taking this medication I don't feel quite as exhausted as when i'm not taking this medication.
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Reviewer: redhotcpeppers, 35-44 Female, 9/3/2010 4:20:28 PM
Reason for taking: Anemia
Comment:
My daughter takes 3 capsules a day by opening them and mixing with grape juice b/c she can't swallow pills. Her blood iron levels are going up steadily WITHOUT constipation. She has more energy and her color has been restored. The only downside are the animal products used. I assume it's the iron source.
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Reviewer: 19-24 Female, 2/4/2010 7:53:03 AM
Reason for taking: Fatigue
Comment:
I have only been taking iron for a short period of time and already I notice an increase in my energy and focus. No side effects have been experience thus far.
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Reviewer: ddj0813, 35-44 Female, 2/8/2009 6:15:37 PM
Reason for taking: Other
Comment:
i have had very heavy period since i have been 11yrs. old. the iron pills i have taken them before and have worked looking for them to work again.
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Reviewer: chickadee, 45-54 Female, 1/14/2009 7:05:12 PM
Reason for taking: Other
Comment:
Taking the iron with my meal makes it not upset my stomach. It's nice to have energy again...and not crave ice. If I forget to take it, it only takes a day and my body reminds me in subtle ways to take it. Iron is relatively cheap, too.
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