Iron supplements (Fe supplements)

About Iron supplements (Fe supplements)

In people with iron deficiency, iron is taken as a supplement to increase the number of healthy red blood cells. The most common consequence of iron deficiency is anemia (low numbers of red blood cells). This is because red blood cells are filled with hemoglobin, and iron is a part of hemoglobin. The most common cause of iron deficiency is blood loss, such as from menstrual bleeding. There are many different types of supplement. If a patient is found to have iron deficiency anemia it is important to make sure the person is not losing red blood cells in the intestinal tract. Common side effects of iron supplements include constipation, mild abdominal pain, nausea and black stools.

Symptoms

Common side effects include constipation, mild abdominal pain, nausea and black stools.

Tests & Diagnostics

None required

Conventional treatment summary

None

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Iron supplements (Fe supplements).