Iron Supplements for Women: Benefits, Types and Side Effects

 By: Dr. Sonam Bhatia, MS (Pharm), PhD



As per the recent health report “Over the last two decades, the prevalence of anemia among Indian women of reproductive age has been 20% higher than the world average. An estimated one in three women in the world are anemic, while one in two women are anemic in India” 

Iron is an important mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions. It's found in red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, and in muscles, where it helps store and use oxygen. Iron is also necessary for proper brain development and function. While most people get enough iron from their diet, some groups of people are at risk for iron deficiency anemia, including women of childbearing age. Pregnant women and growing children need extra iron, as do people who donate blood frequently or have intestinal disorders that cause them to lose blood.

Iron and anemia are two terms that are often used together. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. Iron is a mineral that is necessary to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. When there is not enough iron in the diet, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, and this results in anemia.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The most common symptom of Iron Deficiency Anemia is fatigue. This is because the body doesn't have enough iron to make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Other symptoms may include:

  • Pale Skin
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Fast or Irregular Heartbeat
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Cold Hands and Feet
  • Brittle Nails
  • Craving Non-Food Items such as dirt or ice
  • Infertility or Decreased Menstrual Flow

If you think you might have Iron Deficiency Anemia, talk to your doctor. He or she can order a blood test to check your iron levels. If you do have anemia, your doctor will work with you to find the best treatment plan which may combine consuming iron supplements and changing your diet to include more iron-rich foods.

Benefits of Iron Supplements

Taking iron supplements can help to improve the symptoms of anemia and prevent the condition from getting worse. A few benefits of Iron Deficiency Anemia are listed here:

Improves the level of Hemoglobin: Iron supplements can help increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. When there is not enough iron in the diet, the body cannot make enough hemoglobin, resulting in anemia. Iron supplements can help increase the level of Red Blood Cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues of the body.

Improve the symptoms of Anemia: Iron supplements can help improve the symptoms of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath and help treat or prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia in women. They can also help increase hemoglobin and ferritin levels in the blood, which are important markers of iron levels. Iron supplements may also be useful for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as they can help prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia. In addition, iron supplements can help to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue.

Fulfill Iron requirements needed in Pregnancy: Iron supplementation during pregnancy can help prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia and improve birth weight. It can also help reduce the risk of preterm birth.

Types of Iron Supplements:

There are many different types of iron supplements available in the market today. The most common and popular type of supplement is in the form of a pill, which can be taken orally. However, there are also liquid and powder forms of iron supplements that can be mixed with water or juices and taken orally. Injectable iron supplements are also available, but they are not as commonly used.

Source: Freepik.com


Iron pills come in different doses, so it is important to follow the directions on the package carefully. It is best to take iron supplements with food because this helps your body absorb the iron more effectively. If you are taking an oral supplement, it is important to swish it around in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing, so that the iron has time to be absorbed through the lining of your mouth.

Liquid and powder forms of iron supplements are generally more expensive than pills, but they may be easier for some people to take. If you have difficulty swallowing pills, or if you are taking other medications that can interact with iron, these forms may be a better option for you.

Injectable iron supplements are only given by a healthcare provider and are usually only necessary for people who have very low levels of iron in their body or who are unable to absorb iron from oral supplements.

Iron supplements are generally safe, but it is possible to get too much iron if you take more than the recommended amount. Few commonly used iron salts as supplements are:

  • Ferrous Gluconate

       Ferrous Gluconate is a type of iron supplement. It's usually taken orally to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron. Ferrous Gluconate is also sometimes used as a food fortificant to increase the level of iron in the diet.

        Iron is an important mineral that your body needs to function properly. It helps carry oxygen in the blood and is necessary for proper cell growth. When your body doesn't have enough iron, it can lead to Iron Deficiency Anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

    Ferrous Gluconate is generally considered safe when taken as directed by a healthcare provider. However, side effects are possible and may include constipation, diarrhea, an upset stomach, and dark stool. If you experience any serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

  • Ferrous Fumarate

This salt is suggested for the prevention and treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in pregnant women, lactating women, women of childbearing age, infants, and young children.

Ferrous Fumarate is also suggested for use as a supplemental source of iron in diets where iron intake is inadequate.

Ferrous Fumarate should be taken with food or after meals to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. The recommended dose is:

- For pregnant women: 30 mg/day

- For lactating women: 30 mg/day

- For women of childbearing age: 15 mg/day

- For infants and young children: 10 mg/day

Take Ferrous Fumarate with a full glass of water. Swallow the tablets whole, do not chew or crush them. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, ask your doctor about alternative formulations of Ferrous Fumarate.

If you miss a dose of Ferrous Fumarate, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

  • Ferrous Sulfate

Ferrous Sulfate can help to prevent or treat Iron Deficiency Anemia. It can also be used as a supplement to treat other conditions where iron is needed, such as bone loss (osteoporosis). Ferrous Sulfate is available in over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription forms.

If you have Iron Deficiency Anemia, your doctor may recommend that you take Ferrous Sulfate supplements. The recommended dose depends on your age, weight, and the severity of your condition.

Your doctor will also likely recommend that you take a Vitamin C Supplement along with Ferrous Sulfate as Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron more effectively.

You should take Ferrous Sulfate with food to reduce the risk of an upset stomach. If you experience any side effects, such as nausea or constipation, talk to your doctor. They may recommend a different iron supplement for you.

Iron is an important mineral that our bodies need to function properly. It’s found in food and supplements and is necessary for carrying oxygen in the blood. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, which can lead to fatigue and other symptoms. Ferrous Sulfate is one way to increase iron levels in people with this deficiency. Speak with your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or take medication.

  • Ferrous Citrate

Ferrous Citrate is an iron supplement that is used to treat or prevent low blood levels of iron.

Ferrous Citrate is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug and as a prescription drug. Over-the-counter (OTC) Ferrous Citrate is usually taken orally as also Prescription Ferrous Citrate. Ferrous Citrate may be taken with or without food. If you have any questions about how to take Ferrous Citrate, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are taking the Ferrous Citrate chewable tablet, chew the tablet well before you swallow.

Swallow the Ferrous Citrate extended-release tablet whole: do not split, chew, or crush it.

For patients taking Ferrous Citrate oral solution: Measure the liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

You should not take Ferrous Citrate if you have ever had an allergic reaction to iron or vitamins, or if you have Hemochromatosis (too much iron in your body).

Side Effects of Iron Supplements

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Though not all these side effects may occur, if they do occur, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

  • Backache, Groin, Side, or Muscular Discomfort
  • Discomfort in the Chest
  • A Chilling Sensation
  • A Feeling of Nausea
  • Rapid Heartbeat
  • Headache
  • Metallic Taste
  • Nausea or Vomiting
  • Numbness, Pain, or Tingling of Hands or Feet
  • Pain or Redness at Injection Site
  • Skin Redness
  • Skin Rash or Hives
  • Swelling of Mouth or Throat
  • Troubled Breathing

Final Thoughts

Iron is an important mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions. When there is not enough iron in the diet, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, and this results in anemia. Taking iron supplements can help improve the symptoms of anemia and prevent the condition from getting worse. Iron supplements can help treat or prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia. They can also increase hemoglobin and ferritin levels in the blood, which are important markers of iron status. 

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