Learn about common medications used to treat iron deficiency and their differences.
A new study revealed that people’s iron intake significantly decreased between 1998 and 2018. The decrease in iron intake has led to between 2.2% and 10% of the population suffering from iron-deficiency anemia.
The cause may be due to people becoming vegans or vegetarians and eating less meat. There can also be more serious causes such as blood loss or cancers. People with iron deficiency usually take ferrous fumarate 300mg, ferrous sulfate 300mg, or ferrous gluconate 300mg on a regular basis.
Find out more about these common medications for iron deficiency and how they differ below. We will also explain why iron is essential to the human body.
Why do people need Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral for human growth and development. Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to every part of your body using hemoglobin, a protein produced by using iron. Iron is also necessary for the protein myoglobin, which supplies muscles with oxygen.
The amount of iron you need depends on your age, sex, diet, and other factors. People who eat little or no meat can obtain iron from plant foods and fortified foods; supplement needs depend on diet, risk factors and test results. When consumed by food, iron is available in two forms. The two forms of iron are heme and non-heme. Heme iron is only naturally found in animal proteins, including lean meat, seafood, and poultry.
You can find non-heme iron in plant foods and iron-fortified foods. Some plant-based foods full of iron are white beans, lentils, spinach, kidney beans, and peas.
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia if non-meat eaters don’t consume these foods or take supplements. Other plant sources of iron include breakfast cereals fortified with iron, nuts, and dried fruits.
Key things to know if considering taking Iron supplements.
Most people know that taking the wrong dosage can cause problems such as stomach upset, but there are a few other things you need to keep in mind.
- The use of delayed-release capsules is not recommended, as the body needs to absorb iron earlier in the digestive process.
- Vitamin C supplementation is not routinely necessary with oral iron.
- If you have ongoing blood loss, bowel problems, or kidney disease, oral iron may not be effective for you.
- Follow the dose for your prescribed product. Oral iron is commonly taken once daily; an alternate-day schedule may be considered if side effects make it difficult to take.
- Dosing alternate days may improve absorption.
- People may tolerate iron better with food or milk, but it may reduce absorption.
- If you’re experiencing side effects, you may want to consider a formulation that has lower elemental iron content, such as ferrous gluconate.
- For those who continue to have problems with taking oral iron, doctors will sometimes recommend that IV iron can be a better option.
How do you know if you’re not receiving enough Iron?
Most people in Canada do not have to worry about iron deficiency. Although, certain groups of people are more likely to suffer from iron deficiency anemia than others. These people include:
- Vegans or Vegetarians
- Pregnant women
- Women and teenage girls with heavy periods
- Premature or low birth weight infants
- People who donate blood often
- Those with cancer, GI disorders, or heart failure
Some of the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency are increased tiredness, pale skin, or muscle cramps. If you have similar symptoms, you should consider speaking with a doctor.
You can also book an appointment to speak with an online doctor on Walk-In’s virtual care platform.
What Is Ferrous Fumarate 300mg?
Ferrous fumarate is a medicine used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia. You can take ferrous fumarate 300mg in various forms including tablets, capsules or as a liquid.
Ferrous fumarate is best absorbed on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after food. If it upsets your stomach, taking it with food may improve tolerance but can reduce absorption. You should also avoid consuming tea, coffee, or dairy products at least two hours before and after taking the medication. Taking iron with tea, coffee or milk can reduce absorption. Common side effects include stomach upset, constipation, and dark-coloured stools.
What Is Ferrous Sulfate 300mg?
Ferrous sulfate (or sulphate) is a medicine used to treat and prevent iron deficiency. Ferrous sulfate comes as tablets, or as drops that can be swallowed. There are modified-release tablets and capsules of ferrous sulfate, but they may not be absorbed as well.
What Is Ferrous Gluconate 300mg?
Ferrous gluconate 300mg usually comes in the form of a tablet. It is also a medication used for the treatment and prevention of iron deficiency states. A lower elemental iron dose may cause fewer side effects; tolerability depends on the dose, product and person.
What is the difference between these three Iron deficiency medications?
The main difference between them consists basically of the amount of elemental iron they contain. These iron salts are established treatments for iron deficiency; the elemental dose and how well you tolerate it matter when choosing a product. There are also similar side effects, but the severity is dependent on the dose (ie. more elemental iron = more side effects). A higher elemental iron amount does not automatically mean faster or more effective treatment.
- A common Canadian ferrous fumarate 300 mg tablet contains approximately 100 mg of elemental iron
- A common Canadian ferrous sulfate 300 mg tablet contains approximately 60 mg of elemental iron
- A common Canadian ferrous gluconate 300 mg tablet contains approximately 35 mg of elemental iron
Are there other supplements for Iron Deficiency Anemia?
There are other supplements you may take for iron deficiency. There are heme-based iron supplements on the market. In addition, there are polysaccharide-iron complex formulas available.
If oral iron is not tolerated or is ineffective, your doctor can reassess the dose, adherence and cause of deficiency. IV iron may be appropriate in selected situations.
A vegan or vegetarian diet does not automatically require an iron supplement. Include iron-containing foods such as lentils, beans, tofu and fortified cereals, and discuss supplementation if your intake, risk factors or test results indicate a need.
Those concerned about taking these iron deficiency medications should know that not all capsule shells are vegan. It is important to check the capsule’s ingredients to ensure they are.
Connect with an online doctor for Iron deficiency medications.
It is difficult to get through daily life with an iron deficiency – it makes life more challenging as you have to battle through fatigue. If you have risk factors for iron deficiency, it is best to see a doctor.
A doctor can assess whether iron deficiency is present and discuss appropriate treatment and follow-up. Once iron deficiency is diagnosed, the next step is figuring out the cause.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe ferrous fumarate 300mg, ferrous sulfate 300mg, or ferrous gluconate 300mg. Depending on your age, symptoms, and iron levels, your doctor may indicate a specific management plan.
See a Virtual Doctor about Iron Deficiency Treatment
Check the elemental iron amount on your specific package; products are not interchangeable tablet-for-tablet. Keep iron supplements out of reach of children.
Sources: BC Guidelines: Iron Deficiency; BC oral iron formulations; NHS ferrous fumarate guidance.
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