Hearst Newspapers participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased blood orange red our links to retailer sites. How Much of an Iron Supplement Dosage Should One Take?
A low red blood cell count, medically referred to as anemia, may leave you feeling tired, cold and irritable. While there may be a number of causes for a decrease in red blood cell production, an inadequate intake of certain nutrients may be one of them. Supplements that may help increase your count include iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid. In developed countries like the United States, iron deficiency is uncommon. However, some groups, including women of childbearing age, teen girls and children, may not get enough of the blood-building nutrient in their diet. Children need 7 to 10 milligrams of iron a day, teen girls need 15 milligrams and women of childbearing age need 18 milligrams. While most multivitamins contain iron, especially ones for women, it’s generally recommended that you take iron supplements separately from other vitamins.
To increase absorption, take your iron supplement with foods or drinks that are rich in vitamin C, such as orange juice. The only caveat with iron supplementation is the side effects, most notably constipation. Adding iron-rich foods to your diet, such as meat, beans, spinach and iron-fortified cereals, may help you get enough iron without the gastrointestinal side effects. Who are vegans, because they don’t eat animal products containing B-12. 4 micrograms of vitamin B-12 a day.