Iron Tablets

Why Iron Tablets?

Iron tablets are essential for good health, especially for individuals who do not get enough iron from their diet. Iron is necessary for producing haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Adequate iron levels help prevent anaemia, a condition characterised by fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Iron may improve energy levels, enhance cognitive function, and support a healthy immune system. They are especially beneficial for women of childbearing age, pregnant women, vegetarians, and individuals with certain medical conditions that can cause iron deficiency. Taking the best iron tablets ensures your body has the resources to function efficiently, promoting overall health and vitality.

Types of Iron Supplements

Each iron supplement has its benefits and potential side effects, so you must choose the right iron supplement that best suits your needs and adhere to the guidelines provided by your healthcare expert. Here are a few types of iron supplements that are available in the market:

1. Ferrous Sulphate

Ferrous sulphate is one of the most common forms of iron. It contains a high amount of elemental iron, which is the amount of iron available for absorption by the body. This form of iron is commonly used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia. It is usually taken in tablet or liquid form and absorbed on an empty stomach.

2. Ferrous Gluconate

Ferrous gluconate is another popular form of iron. It is also available in liquid form, which is generally gentler on the stomach than ferrous sulphate usually available in tablet form, which makes it a better choice for people with digestive issues than other iron supplements. It contains less elemental iron than ferrous sulphate, so larger doses may be needed to achieve the same effect. It is available in tablet and liquid form and is often recommended for individuals who need a mild iron supplement.

3. Ferric Citrate

Ferric citrate is a form of iron supplement that combines iron with citric acid. It is less commonly used but is effective in increasing iron levels in the body. Ferric citrate is more poorly absorbed than ferrous forms of iron. It is often used in specific clinical situations, such as in patients with chronic kidney disease, to help manage iron levels.

4. Ferric Sulfate

Ferric sulfate is a less commonly used iron tablet than ferrous sulphate. It contains iron in the ferric oxidised state, which is less absorbed than the ferrous form. As a result, ferric sulphate may not be as effective as ferrous sulfate for treating iron deficiency anaemia.

5. Ferrous Fumarate

Ferrous fumarate is a type of iron used as a medication and supplement to treat and prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Ferrous iron has a higher absorbability than ferric. Iron helps the body make healthy red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body.

Health Benefits of Iron Tablets

The benefits of iron tablets and  iron capsules are as follows:

1. Prevent Anaemia: Iron tablets are the key to preventing anaemia by boosting haemoglobin production in red blood cells. By taking them, you ensure that your body gets enough oxygen, thereby reducing fatigue and supporting overall well-being. Iron tablets for women benefit menstruating women by maintaining iron levels and preventing anaemia among them.

2. Increase Haemoglobin Levels: Taking the best iron supplements helps restore low iron levels, increases the haemoglobin concentration in the blood, and alleviates iron deficiency symptoms. People can also take iron-folic acid tablets to improve their blood heme levels.

3. Reduce Fatigue: Low iron levels can cause symptoms of fatigue and tiredness. Fatigue can also be seen in people who are not anaemic but have low ferritin levels. Taking the best iron tablets may help manage fatigue resulting from these conditions.

4. Boost Immunity: Iron is necessary for the functioning of the immune system. It’s essential for immune cell proliferation and maturation, particularly lymphocytes, which help fight infections. Iron boosts haemoglobin levels, supplying oxygen to damaged cells, tissues, and organs. A lack of iron in the body can hamper the functioning of the immune system.

5. Enhances Athletic Performance: Iron is essential for the formation of myoglobin, the protein that transports oxygen to the muscles. Low iron levels can lead to muscle weakness due to less oxygen supply, hindering athletic performance. Athletes should ensure they take adequate amounts of iron in the diet to support performance. When muscles are at rest, myoglobin binds to the oxygen which is stored and used later by muscles after exercise. 

6. Improves Cognitive Health: Low levels of iron in the body affect focus, concentration, and alertness. Iron tablets restore iron levels, improving cognitive functions such as memory, attention, reasoning, problem-solving, etc.

7. Improves Restless Leg Syndrome: This syndrome is a condition in which a person has an uncontrollable urge to move their legs one of the reason being iron insufficiency. Taking iron supplements helps improve restless leg syndrome.

How to choose the right iron tablet?

Choosing the right iron pill can be easy if you keep a few things in mind:

● Type of Iron Supplement: Choosing the correct type of iron supplement is important for effectively addressing iron deficiency while minimising potential side effects. For instance, ferrous fumarate is best for managing anaemia while ferric citrate is preferred for individuals with chronic kidney disease. Consider a healthcare professional’s advice before choosing the right type of iron supplement.

● Check the Dosage: Make sure the iron supplement contains the right amount of iron as needed and take a doctor’s advice before consumption.

● Consider Additional Nutrients: Some iron tablets contain vitamin C, which helps enhance iron absorption in the body and B vitamins which reduce fatigue and promote energy metabolism.

● Brand Quality: Choose a reputed brand to ensure the tablets are safe and hold necessary lab certificates.

● Check for Side Effects: Iron tablets may cause certain side effects such as constipation, diarrhoea and nausea. Consider taking a healthcare professional’s advice before choosing the right type of iron supplement to prevent side effects.

● Read the Label: Always read the label before using supplements to understand the ingredients, usage instructions, and potential warnings, which is crucial. This simple step ensures safe and effective use, helping you make informed decisions about what you consume.

How to Take an Iron Tablet?

Iron is ideally absorbed when the stomach is empty. However, it may cause vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea when taken on an empty stomach. Therefore, it is recommended to take an iron tablet along with meals. Also, one should avoid consuming calcium-rich dairy products and excess caffeine before taking or along with the supplement. Take 1 tablet daily along with your meal maintain normal iron levels.

Where to Buy Iron Tablets?

One can buy iron tablets from the official website of Steadfast Nutrition, a premium nutrition brand known for its high-quality, organ-friendly supplements. Steadfast Nutrition’s iron tablets are certified by FSSAI and meet the rigorous standards of WHO-GMP. They comprise high-quality ingredients and are formulated to be easily absorbed by the body, ensuring maximum efficacy. One can avail 30% off by buying from our official website. Use Code “STEAD30” to avail 30% discount on our iron tablet. You can also check out our products on Amazon and Flipkart.

Which is the Best Iron Tablet in India?

Steadfast Nutrition is a premium sports nutrition brand that provides the best iron tablets in India. Steadfast Nutrition’s iron tablets are an excellent choice for those struggling with iron deficiency and its associated symptoms. Steadfast Nutrition’s iron supplement contains ferrous fumarate and is enriched with essential vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12, and vitamin C. This unique combination helps prevent iron deficiency anaemia and plays a vital role in increasing haemoglobin levels, reducing fatigue, improving performance during endurance activities and maintaining normal iron levels in the body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is it safe to take iron tablets every day?

Ans: Yes, if a person is deficient in iron, it is safe to take an iron tablet daily to replenish iron levels but under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It also depends on how much iron is provided by iron tablets. As per NIN (ICMR), the recommended daily allowance of iron for adult men is 19mg/day, and for adult women is 29mg/day.

Q2: What do you understand about iron deficiency anaemia?

Ans: Iron deficiency anaemia is a blood disorder that occurs when the body does not have enough iron to make haemoglobin, a protein in the red blood cells that transports oxygen to various parts of the body. Iron deficiency anaemia symptoms develop gradually. Insufficient iron levels do not allow the body to produce enough haemoglobin, resulting in a drop in the red blood cell count. So, your doctor can recommend eating iron-rich foods or suggest taking iron supplements for anaemia.

Q3: What are the common iron deficiency symptoms?

Ans: Iron deficiency anaemia symptoms include weakness, fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, brittle nails, severe hair fall, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, restless leg syndrome, pica (an eating disorder where people crave non-food items with no nutritional value) such as chalk, paint, clay, ice and paper. One can take iron tablets to alleviate iron deficiency symptoms and treat iron deficiency anaemia. It is equally important to include iron-rich foods in the diet.

Q4: Who all are at a risk of developing iron-deficiency anaemia?

Ans: Iron deficiency is common amongst children, strictly vegan or vegetarian populations, women during their menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum and menopausal phase and people from low socio-economic status. Iron capsules are available to combat iron deficiency symptoms in people at risk of developing anaemia.

Q5: What is the composition of daily iron tablets?

Ans: The daily iron tablets on the market comprise iron in ferric and ferrous forms. However, the best iron supplement for anaemia available on the market is Steadfast Nutrition’s iron supplement, which contains ferrous fumarate having high bioavailability, along with vitamin B complex, and vitamin C that work synergistically to increase haemoglobin levels, reduce fatigue, and boost immunity. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, enhances the absorption of iron. Iron tablets are available to combat iron deficiency symptoms in people at risk of developing anaemia.

Q6: What is the RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for Iron?

Ans: The RDA 2020 for iron given by NIN, ICMR is 19 mg/day and 29 mg/day for adult men and women, respectively. Iron tablets in India usually meet this RDA requirement and are available as iron tablets for men and iron tablets for women.

Q7: What are some of the functions performed by Iron in the Body?

Ans: Iron is a crucial micronutrient that plays a part in several important bodily functions. It helps deliver oxygen to every cell via the bloodstream and helps boost cognitive and immune system function. Iron is also necessary for brain development and growth in children. It allows muscles to store and utilise oxygen better. Iron plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells. It helps maintain a good haemoglobin level, lowering the risk of anaemia. Iron is also required for the production and function of various cells and hormones. So, if someone has low iron levels, one should always consider iron supplements such as iron tablets and capsules.

Q8: What are the sources of iron?

Ans: Iron dietary sources come in two forms - heme and non-heme.

• Heme iron is found in animal sources such as meat, eggs, seafood, and poultry and is better absorbed by the body.
• Non-heme iron is found in plant-based food sources like fruits, vegetables,   nuts and seeds. Though the amount and absorption is less, it is as important as heme iron and should be a part of the balanced diet of vegetarians.
• Taking vitamin C-rich foods and iron can improve non-heme sources' absorption. For instance, poha or sprouts can be consumed with lemon for improving iron absorption.

Q9: Are there any side effects of daily iron tablets?

Ans: Constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, metallic taste, nausea and skin rash are some of the common side effects of iron tablets. These side effects may disappear as the body adapts to iron tablets and other iron-rich foods. Consult with a healthcare professional for any changes in dosage if the side effects persist.

Q10: Can pregnant women take iron capsules daily?

Ans: Yes, The use of iron capsules is advised for pregnant women. However, they should consume iron capsules under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Q11:- Can daily iron tablets cause constipation?

Ans: One of the most common side effects of iron supplements is gastrointestinal issues such as constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, and bloating. However, this problem can be solved by drinking more water, including more fibre in the diet, and avoiding consuming iron supplements on an empty stomach.

Q12: Is it safe to take iron tablets during periods?

Ans: You can take iron tablets during periods to increase haemoglobin levels and ferritin stores in the body. However, getting guidance from a healthcare professional is always advisable for regular consumption.

Q13:- Does consuming excess iron pose a health risk?

Ans: Excess dosage of iron can cause harmful side effects. Overconsumption of iron can lead to many adverse health effects, such as upset stomach, constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain. So, always consume the best iron supplements under the prescription of a healthcare professional.

Q14. Is it safe to buy iron tablets without seeing a doctor?

Ans: No, it is always recommended to consult a medical practitioner before starting iron supplements such as iron tablets or iron capsules. However, these supplements should be taken only if a person has iron deficiency anaemia or if daily requirements are not met through diet alone. Individuals with low levels of iron will benefit from using iron tablets. One should always buy iron tablets from authentic brands only.