Smiling young woman holding an iron supplement capsule and a white bottle, promoting iron supplement for women. Health and wellness concept focusing on female nutrition and dietary supplements.
Iron absorbs best on an empty stomach, paired with vitamin C. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food instead - some prefer bedtime. Always follow your doctor's dose; too much iron is harmful.
Ferrous sulfate packs the most elemental iron but causes more cramping and constipation. Ferrous gluconate is gentler with less iron; ferrous fumarate is high-iron with fewer side effects; liquid iron is easiest to absorb.
Menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation all raise iron demands. When stores run low, the result is fatigue, pale skin, cold hands and feet, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Confirm a deficiency with a blood test before starting iron - and recheck your levels during treatment. A clinician can pick the right form and dose for you.