What are the signs that iron pills are working? Some of the notable signs that iron pills are working are improved energy, healthier skin, improved focus, and a more stable appetite. Some of the signs that iron pills aren’t working are more fatigue, shortness of breath, paler skin than normal and more headaches.
What are the signs that iron pills are working? iStock-photo credit: Supersmario
Iron is an important mineral that the body needs and it helps carry oxygen through your blood. One of the common deficiencies in being a vegetarian is iron deficiency because of a lack of meat in their diet. So, it is common for Vegetarians to experience some of these negative symptoms.
Iron deficiency anemia is when there is a lack of oxygen that goes to the organs and tissues. Some of the common functions that iron does for the body is the following:
- Neurological development
- Muscle metabolism
- Builds healthy connective tissue.
- Improved cellular functioning.
Research studies have shown that iron pills are best absorbed on an empty stomach. But many people have complained of nausea and stomach cramps when taking iron supplements without food in the stomach. So having a bit of food in your stomach before taking iron pills can help with that feeling.
There are some foods that if you eat them with iron supplements can affect the absorption rate. And those foods are milk, calcium, antiacids, foods or drinks with caffeine and high fiber foods such as whole grains and raw vegetables. A 2017 research study suggested that taking iron supplements every other day increases absorption at a higher rate than taking pills every day.
It is important when taking iron supplements that you are not taking it with other medications because it can potentially slow the effectiveness of it.
Some of those medications are:
- Penicillin
- Ciprofloxacin
- Bisphosphonates- a common drug used to treat osteoporosis.
- And drugs used to treat seizures, Parkinsons disease and hypothyroidism.
The Bottom Line is the best way to tell if iron pills are working by how you feel. If you experience symptoms such as increased energy levels, healthier skin, improved focus then you know that those iron supplements are working well.
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About Author- Obi Obadike
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References
- Cook JD. Diagnosis and management of iron-deficiency anaemia. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. 2005 Jun;18(2):319-32. doi: 10.1016/j.beha.2004.08.022. PMID: 15737893.
- Iron absorption from oral iron supplements given on consecutive versus alternate days and as single morning doses versus twice-daily split dosing in iron-depleted women: two open-label, randomised controlled trials
Stoffel, Nicole U et al.
The Lancet Haematology, Volume 4, Issue 11, e524 – e533
