Iron supplements are usually taken by mouth as a tablet or as liquid doses. These are the preferred methods to take iron supplements, causing the least amount of side effects. However, some women have problems absorbing iron from their bowel, or their anaemia is abnormally low (less than 9.0 gm%), therefore injections may be prescribed. Injections may also be preferred if the baby's due date is within a few weeks, because the injections will tend to work a little more rapidly than tablets or liquids.
Tablets and liquids
Injections
Tablets and liquids
Iron supplements are usually taken as a tablet or liquid. Tablets can come in a 'slow release' form (designed to slowly release the iron into the body over a few hours) or a direct supplement that is absorbed soon after taking it. Liquid supplements are also classed as a direct supplement. There are many different brands to choose from and your decision may depend on many things including:
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Your personal preferences.Some women prefer to take one tablet, once a day (which is the case for 'slow release' tablets) while other women prefer natural alternatives (or direct supplements), which may necessitate taking doses multiple times a day. In many cases the natural alternatives have less noticeable side effects, but are often significantly more expensive. |
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Any annoying side effects.Iron tablets can cause nausea and constipation (and in some cases diarrhoea). These physical discomforts can be enough to make a few women not take their iron supplements. However, other women do not experience these effects and/or are not bothered by them. |
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Taking your tablet at night can help with the nausea (because you are 'sleeping on it') and sometimes changing brands will help with any diarrhoea. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables (as well as dried fruits and prunes) can help with your constipation (as well as your dietary intake of iron). NOTE: Be aware that iron supplements will make your bowel motions look blackish-green in colour, this is normal and they will return back to the normal brown colour when you stop taking your supplements. |
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How much you can afford to spend.Slow release tablets tend to be less expensive than many of the natural alternatives. This aspect alone may determine your choice, especially if you need to take them for months. |
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What your caregiver has recommended. You may find your caregiver recommends a specific brand. Be aware that iron tablets are not usually prescribed, so you tend to have some flexibility in changing them if you wish. However, if your haemoglobin level is very low, you may need to take prescribed higher doses than normal. Be guided by your caregiver. |