Find out when and how to take iron supplements, what to eat (and avoid), and how to manage unintended side effects. Iron deficiency is common and can be debilitating. It mainly affects women.
In Australia, one in three premenopausal women are low in iron compared to just 5% of men. Iron deficiency particularly affects teenage girls, women who do a lot of exercise and those who are pregnant. The body needs iron to make new red blood cells, and to support energy production, the immune system and cognitive function .
If you’re low, you may experience a range of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, headache, irregular heartbeat and reduced concentration. If a blood test shows you’re iron deficient, your doctor may recommend you start taking an oral iron supplement. But should you take a tablet or a liquid? With food or not? And when is the best time of day? Here are some tips to help you work out how, when and what iron supplement to take.
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