An A&E doctor has warned that a common supplement should not be taken with certain foods. Doctor Suraj Kukadia, who is best known online as Dr Sooj, said that taking the daily supplement with some foods and drinks could be bad for your health.
This is because it could prevent the absorption of the mineral within the body. He said that there is a correct way to take your iron tablets.
Iron is a mineral which is essential for many bodily functions, including red blood cell production, healthy cells and skin, and a strong immune system. We should be able to get all the iron we need from a healthy, balanced diet.
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But some people do require iron supplements, Mirror reports. Some people can also struggle to absorb iron naturally.
You could develop iron deficiency anaemia if you do not get all the iron you need. This is a potentially dangerous condition that causes symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations.
Speaking on TikTok, Dr Sooj said: ” If you’re taking iron supplements, you should probably watch this video. Now, if you have an iron deficiency anaemia, we need to understand what is causing it and it usually develops over a period of months or even years and it can lead to things like tiredness, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, pale skin, and even headaches .
” Now, remember, there is a difference between an iron deficiency anaemia and an iron deficiency. An iron deficiency is signified by a low ferritin in the blood, and it’s usually caused by a lack of iron in your diet.
“However, if you have an iron deficiency anaemia, the over-the-counter tablets that you’re taking probably isn’t going to make much of a difference. You also won’t be able to eat your way out of it.”
If someone has a ‘true’ iron deficiency, he would typically prescribe them ‘at least’ 200 milligrams of iron every day, the doctor said. Dr Sooj warned against taking iron tablets with milk or dairy.
He continued: “Ideally you want to take iron supplements with vitamin C, so, orange juice and avoid taking it with milk and dairy.” This is because dairy can prohibit the absorption of iron into the body.
The NHS says: “Swallow tablets or capsules with a drink of water or juice only. Do not take them with milk, as milk stops the iron getting into your system.”
According to Medline Plus, you should leave it two hours after having milk or calcium before taking iron. It says: “Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach.
“Yet, iron supplements can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea in some people. You may need to take iron with a small amount of food to avoid this problem.
“Milk, calcium and antacids should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. You should wait at least two hours after having these foods before taking your iron supplements.”
You should speak to your GP if you have symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia or are starting supplements. Symptoms can include:
- Tiredness and lack of energy
- Shortness of breath
- Noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
- Paler than usual skin
- Headaches