Iron tablets treat iron deficiency anaemia. They work, but they are among the most commonly abandoned medicines because of stomach side effects — most of which can be managed rather than tolerated or given up on.
Absorption is best on an empty stomach, an hour before food. If that causes too much nausea, taking it with food is better than not taking it at all — it simply absorbs less well.
Vitamin C improves absorption noticeably. Taking iron with a glass of orange juice is a genuinely useful trick.
Avoid taking it at the same time as tea, coffee, milk, calcium supplements, antacids or high-fibre food — all reduce absorption. Leave a two-hour gap.
There is good evidence that once-daily, or even alternate-day, dosing absorbs as well as more frequent dosing and causes fewer side effects. If you are struggling, ask us — the regimen can often be changed.
Constipation, stomach ache, nausea and diarrhoea are common. Increasing fluid and fibre helps; if constipation persists, a laxative may be appropriate — ask us.
Black stools are expected and harmless on iron. However, black tarry stools with a foul smell can indicate bleeding, so if you are unsure, get it checked.
Liquid iron can stain teeth — take it through a straw and rinse afterwards.
Treatment usually continues for around three months after your haemoglobin returns to normal, to rebuild your stores. Stopping as soon as blood counts improve is why deficiency often returns.
Do not take iron long term without a confirmed deficiency. Excess iron is harmful, and unexplained anaemia needs its cause investigated rather than just its numbers corrected.
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