Iron Supplements

Iron supplements are available as tablets, capsules, liquids, drops and multivitamin formulas. Common forms include ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate, and the appropriate amount depends on age, sex, pregnancy, diet and whether iron deficiency has been professionally identified. Compare the amount of iron provided per serving and follow the stated directions, as higher-strength products are not automatically more suitable. Iron can cause constipation, nausea or stomach discomfort and can interfere with medicines such as levothyroxine; calcium may also reduce iron absorption when taken at the same time. Iron supplements must be stored securely away from children because accidental overdose can be extremely dangerous.