When is the best time of the day to supplement iron

Iron plays a key role in the formation of blood, so iron supplementation is very necessary. However, the human body is a huge system, and for iron, its functional points determine the time of iron intake. Because the stomach and intestines start working after meals and need a large amount of blood for oxygen transportation, therefore, supplementing iron after meals will speed up the digestion process and play a certain auxiliary role in the body.

1. The best time to take iron supplements

It is best to take iron preparations between meals. Iron preparations have a stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Oral iron preparations are best taken between meals, which can reduce irritation to the gastric mucosa and facilitate absorption.

2. Principles of taking iron supplements

It is best to take iron supplements between meals. In addition, if the patient cannot tolerate the dosage of iron supplements, consider starting with a small dose and combining it with food at the same time. For example, eating meat and foods rich in vitamin C: spinach, tomatoes, pineapple, strawberries, citrus, etc. can promote iron absorption.

How long should I take iron supplements?

It takes about 1-2 months to recover from iron deficiency anemia treated with iron supplements, but it should be noted that even after the blood routine returns to normal, it is still necessary to persist for 2-3 months to achieve a complete cure.

IV. Precautions for taking iron supplements

1. Do not take iron supplements together with calcium tablets, zinc and other supplements to avoid interfering with iron absorption.

2. Do not take iron supplements together with antacids, such as gastric emulsion tablets and stomach powder, because stomach acid will help the absorption of iron. Taking antacids will reduce stomach acid and reduce iron absorption.

3. Do not drink coffee, milk, tea, or red wine while taking iron supplements, as these beverages will interfere with the absorption of the iron supplement.

5. People who cannot take iron supplements

Blindly supplementing iron can cause harm. People with certain diseases such as alcoholism, hepatitis, acute infectious enteritis, and pancreatitis should take iron supplements with caution. Iron supplements are contraindicated for patients with gastric and duodenal ulcers, ulcerative colitis, siderophore deposition, other anemias not accompanied by iron deficiency, those with severe liver and kidney damage, and those who are allergic to iron. In addition, pregnant women taking too much iron supplements may cause fetal iron poisoning. If you take too much iron or experience serious adverse reactions, seek medical attention immediately.