A doctor explained the safest way to take iron supplements
A doctor advised against taking iron supplements with certain foods and drinks(Image: Getty)
A medical expert has issued a warning to anyone taking a popular daily supplement that combining it with certain foods and drinks could present health dangers. This happens because such pairings can impair the body’s ability to absorb this crucial mineral effectively.
Doctor Suraj Kukadia, known online as Dr Sooj, advised that people may need to be cautious when taking iron supplements. Iron is a mineral that’s essential for numerous bodily processes, including producing red blood cells, ensuring healthy cellular function and skin condition, as well as bolstering a robust immune system.
While a well-balanced diet should provide adequate iron for most people, this isn’t the case for everyone. Certain people may face difficulties with natural iron absorption.
You should avoid dairy products for two hours after taking iron supplements(Image: Getty)
If this occurs, you might develop iron deficiency anaemia, a potentially serious medical condition with symptoms including fatigue, breathing difficulties, and irregular heart rhythm. Speaking on the social media platform TikTok, Dr Sooj provided further advice.
“If you’re taking iron supplements, you should probably watch this video,” he said. “Now, if you have an iron deficiency anaemia, we need to understand what is causing it and it usually develops over a period of months or even years and it can lead to things like tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, pale skin, and even headaches.
“Now, remember, there is a difference between an iron deficiency anaemia and an iron deficiency. An iron deficiency is signified by a low ferritin in the blood, and it’s usually caused by a lack of iron in your diet.
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“However, if you have an iron deficiency anaemia, the over-the-counter tablets that you’re taking probably isn’t going to make much of a difference. You also won’t be able to eat your way out of it.”
He disclosed that for patients with a “true” iron deficiency, he would normally prescribe “at least” 200 milligrams of iron daily. Dr Sooj subsequently cautioned against consuming iron tablets alongside milk or dairy products.
He continued: “Ideally you want to take iron supplements with vitamin C, so, orange juice and avoid taking it with milk and dairy.” This is due to dairy products potentially hindering iron absorption within the body.
Fatigue is a common symptom of iron deficiency (Image: Getty)
The NHS cautions: “Swallow tablets or capsules with a drink of water or juice only. Do not take them with milk, as milk stops the iron getting into your system.” Medline Plus similarly advises waiting two hours following milk or calcium consumption before taking iron supplements.
It states: “Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach. Yet, iron supplements can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea in some people. You may need to take iron with a small amount of food to avoid this problem.
“Milk, calcium and antacids should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. You should wait at least two hours after having these foods before taking your iron supplements.”
Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can include:
Tiredness and lack of energyShortness of breathNoticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)Paler than usual skinHeadaches
If you experience symptoms you should speak to your GP before trying iron supplements.