Hi Karen, I know that iron deficiency is common in women and was wondering when supplements are recommended? Many thanks, Margaret.

Karen's response

Hi Margaret

Iron supplements may be required to correct an existing iron deficiency; however it is important to have your iron status assessed before popping that pill.  Supplementation can interfere with the absorption of other minerals, including zinc and copper and some people experience unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation.

In addition, while it is impossible for a normal healthy person to get too much iron from their diet, it is possible to absorb too much iron from supplements.  Haemochromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 300 Caucasians and allows excess iron to be absorbed leading to iron overload.  Excess iron deposits in body tissues and cells can cause irreversible damage in this disorder.

It’s also wise to supplement under the guidance of a health professional as supplementation alone per se does not get to the root of the cause of the deficiency. As part of an iron treatment program your health professional should perform a dietary review and appropriate assessment of iron losses.  The aim is to supplement for a length of time that corrects the deficiency, not on an ongoing basis, and then maintain your levels by following an iron rich diet.

Wishing you good health

Karen Inge.