The Best Way To Take Iron Pills

Are you taking iron pills but not seeing any real results? You may be taking them the wrong way. Iron pills can be difficult to absorb, and if taken improperly, they can pass through your system without providing any of the benefits. That's why it's important to take iron pills the right way. In this blog post, we'll discuss the best ways to take iron pills, so you can ensure that your body is absorbing them. Read on to learn more about how to maximize the effectiveness of your iron pills.

With Food

When taking iron pills, it's important to take them with food. Eating a meal or snack that contains dietary sources of iron helps the body to absorb the iron from the supplement better. Eating foods like beef, pork, fish, tofu, eggs, fortified cereals, beans, lentils, dark leafy greens, and nuts while taking an iron supplement can help the body absorb more of it. Additionally, pairing your iron pill with vitamin C-rich foods can also increase absorption. Foods such as oranges, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts all contain plenty of vitamin C. So when taking your iron supplement, try having it with a meal that contains sources of dietary iron and/or vitamin C to get the most out of it.

With Vitamin C

Taking iron pills with Vitamin C can help increase the body’s absorption of iron. Vitamin C can be found naturally in foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and leafy green vegetables. It can also be taken in supplement form. Taking iron pills with a glass of orange juice, or a vitamin C supplement can help your body absorb more of the iron. Additionally, Vitamin C helps prevent constipation, a common side effect of taking iron supplements. If you do experience constipation, you may want to consider increasing your intake of Vitamin C, as well as drinking plenty of fluids and exercising regularly.

In Small Doses

It's important to take iron pills in small doses, rather than all at once. Taking them in large doses can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. Iron should be taken in small doses, ideally split into two or three doses throughout the day. This helps your body absorb more of the iron and decreases the chance of any uncomfortable side effects. Additionally, it may be easier for you to remember to take your iron in smaller doses throughout the day. 

Be sure to read the instructions on your particular iron supplement bottle, as different brands may have different instructions. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with your doctor.

With Water

Drinking water with iron pills is one of the best ways to ensure that your body absorbs the mineral. When taking an iron supplement, it’s important to drink at least 8 ounces of water with it, preferably in the morning or evening with a meal. This helps to break down the pill and make it easier for your body to absorb the iron. It's also important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, as this can help prevent constipation, which can occur when taking iron supplements. Drinking at least 6–8 glasses of water per day can also help increase the absorption of the iron in the supplement.