Iron Deficiency Anemia: Your Iron Pill Guide
Medical-Surgical · Hematology / Oncology
Anemia means your blood has too few healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. Low iron is a common cause. Iron-rich foods and iron pills help your body make new red blood cells.
Know the signs
- Feeling tired or weak
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath or a fast heartbeat when you are active
- Craving ice
Eat iron-rich foods
- Red meat, chicken, fish, beans, lentils, and dark leafy greens
- Cereals and breads with added iron
- Eat them with vitamin C foods, such as oranges, tomatoes, or strawberries. Vitamin C helps your body take in iron.
Take your iron pill the right way
- Take it 1 hour before a meal, with water or orange juice.
- If it upsets your stomach, take it with a little food.
- Keep milk, tea, coffee, calcium pills, and antacids (Tums) 2 hours away from your iron.
- Liquid iron: drink it through a straw, then rinse your mouth. This protects your teeth.
- Keep taking it until your provider says to stop, even when you feel better.
Expect some changes
- Dark green or black stools are normal with iron.
- For constipation: drink more fluids, eat more fiber, and stay active. Ask about a stool softener.
Keep iron away from children
- Iron pills are a leading cause of deadly poisoning in young children. Store them in a child-proof bottle, out of reach.
Call your provider today if you have
- Black, sticky, tar-like stools without dizziness. This can be a sign of bleeding.
- Constipation or an upset stomach that stops you from taking iron
- More tiredness or shortness of breath
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have
- Chest pain
- Black, sticky, tar-like stools with dizziness, weakness, or fainting. This is a sign of serious bleeding.
- Fainting or severe trouble breathing
- A child who swallowed iron pills: call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) or your local poison center right away, even if the child seems fine