Iron

Basics

Iron is an important mineral and micronutrient that is vital for the human body. It plays a crucial role in the formation of hemoglobin, the red pigment in the blood that is responsible for oxygen transport in the body. An iron deficiency can therefore lead to anemia, fatigue and reduced performance.

In medicine, iron is often used as a dietary supplement to treat or prevent iron deficiency conditions. Iron is also taken for certain diseases where iron requirements are increased, such as anemia. It is important that iron be taken under a doctor's supervision to ensure proper dosage and to avoid possible side effects.

Foods such as meat, fish, legumes and whole grains are good sources of iron.

Effect

Iron is necessary for maintaining optimal health, especially for the formation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. An iron deficiency means that the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body's iron stores fall to too low a level and the stored iron is insufficient to support normal red blood cell production. Insufficient iron in the diet, impaired iron absorption, bleeding, pregnancy, or iron loss through the urine can lead to iron deficiency. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness and headaches. Taking iron in the form of supplements, such as ferrous sulfate, allows iron levels to rise more quickly when dietary intake and iron stores are inadequate.

Orally administered iron has widely varying bioavailability depending on circumstances, including the valence of the iron (^Fe2+ or ^Fe3+), dietary intake, and the degree of iron deficiency. Bivalent iron is more soluble and therefore usually has a higher bioavailability than trivalent iron (Fe3+). Absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine, particularly in the duodenum and proximal jejunum. Approximately 60% of the iron is absorbed into the erythrocytes. The rest of the iron is found in muscle tissue (as part of myoglobin) and in a variety of different enzymes, as well as in its storage form, ferritin.

Dosage

Always take Active Ingredient Name exactly as described in the package leaflet or exactly as your doctor has told you.

The usual recommended daily requirement for adults is between 10 mg and 15 mg, depending on gender, age and weight.

Iron-containing products carry a risk of overdose, especially in children.

Side effects

The following side effects may occur:

darkening of the stool
abdominal pain
heartburn
nausea
constipation
Flatulence
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Interactions

Interactions may occur if the following medicines are taken at the same time:

Antibiotics (tetracyclines, quinolones, chloramphenicol).
medicines that neutralize stomach acid (antacids)
medicines that bind bile acid(cholestyramine)
penicillamine-containing drugs
tyroxine, used to treat hypothyroidism
Methyldopa, for the treatment of high blood pressure
levodopa, for the treatment of Parkinson's disease
Bisphosphonates, for the treatment of bone diseases
Zinc salts
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Calcium
Magnesium

Interactions may also occur if the following foods are taken at the same time:

coffee
black tea
eggs
milk
dairy products
vegetarian food

In general, interactions can be avoided by taking them about 3 hours apart from iron.

Contraindications

Iron must NOT be taken in the following cases:

in case of allergy to iron
iron storage disorders (hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, chronic hemolysis)
in iron utilization disorders (sideroachrestic anemia, lead anemia, thalassemia)
in pernicious anemia or other forms of anemia
in certain intestinal diseases (diverticulosis)
in case of repeated blood transfusions

Age restriction

For iron supplements, always follow your doctor's prescription, the package insert or ask at your pharmacy.

In principle, iron can be taken at any age, but not every iron preparation is approved for children of any age.

Iron-containing products carry a risk of overdose, especially in children.

Pregnancy & Lactation

In pregnancy & lactation , regular monitoring of iron levels is recommended, as the need is increased during pregnancy and lactation.

Sources

Thomas Hofko

Mag. pharm. Stefanie Lehenauer

CAS number	7439-89-6
PUB number	23925
Drugbank ID	DB01592
Empirical formula	Fe
Molar mass (g·mol−1)	55.84
Physical state	solid
Density (g·cm−3)	7.87
Melting point (°C)	1538
Boiling point (°C)	2,861