How to take iron supplements for best absorption

If you’ve been advised to add more iron to your diet, you might be wondering about the best time to take iron supplements.

After all, taking an iron supplement may be an effective way to resolve some common symptoms of an iron deficiency—especially if changes to your diet haven’t been enough to improve symptoms like low energy, shortness of breath, pale skin, brittle nails and hair, headaches, and cold hands and feet.

While those signs may lead you to the vitamin aisle at your local grocery store, you shouldn’t load up on supplements without first speaking with your doctor.

“Do not take iron just because you are experiencing these symptoms, or you risk iron overload, which can bring different problems to the surface,” says Indhira Ghyssaert, M.D., a family medicine physician and nutritionist.

Iron supplements side effects

Dr. Ghyssaert says the best way to determine if you need to add a daily dose of iron to your diet is to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you’re experiencing. They may suggest a blood test to check your levels

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