Everything About Iron Supplements

Iron is a mineral that is very necessary in the formation of red blood cells. A properdiet should have the daily recommended amount of iron. People who are lacking in this mineral will often become anaemic. It is subsequently imperativethat iron be incorporated in any diet. Iron may be uncovered in foods including dried beans, dried fruits, liver, lean meat especially beef, salmon, whole grains and tuna. However if you have a particular aversion to eating iron rich foods you may decide to take iron supplements.

These supplements are typically given as an oral dosage. This is taken no more than once daily. You will need to take these supplements as a normal part of your diet. In unusual instances iron may have to be injected into the individual who is unable to take the supplement orally.

When taking these supplements there may be some side effects. You may experience some abdominal discomfort when taking iron supplements. Also, you may experience some diarrhoea or constipation. To avoid constipation when taking this type of supplement it is recommended that you eat sufficient amounts of fibre. Your stool will also be discoloured, most notably it will be black in colour.

The amount of iron required daily has been outlined by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences. The amount of iron needed by a person will depend on age, gender, and physical condition (i.E. Pregnancy). Once you have discerned the right amount for intake then you can go ahead and begin supplementation. Many of these supplements can be uncovered over the counter hence you do not necessarily need to visit your doctor before beginning to take a course of iron supplements. All of these supplements will show the needed required amount based on the RDA (recommended daily intake). The proceeding list shows the recommended daily intake of iron based on specific factors such as age, gender and physical condition.

Children who are between the ages of 7 to 12 months should consume 11 mg of iron daily regardless of gender.
Children who are between the ages of 1 to 3 years old will need to take 7 mg daily regardless of gender.
Children who are between the ages of 4 to 8 years old should consume 10 mg daily regardless of gender.
Children who are between the ages of 9 to 13 years old will need to consume 8 mg per day regardless of gender.
Teenagers who are between the ages of 14 to 18 years old should consume 11 mg for males per day and 15 mg for females per day.
Adults who are between the ages of 19 to 50 years old should take 8 mg for males daily and 18 mg for females per day.
Adults who are above the age of 50 should take 8 mg per day regardless of gender.
For pregnant women the recommended dosage of iron is 27 mg per day.
For lactating mothers the recommended dosage of iron is 9-10 mg per day