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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffOnce you become deficient in iron to the point you develop anemia, increased intake of iron-rich foods is beneficial, but usually isn't enough to correct the problem. You need iron supplementation to build back your iron reserves, as well as to meet your body's daily iron requirements. In pregnant women, iron supplements help provide enough iron for both the mother and her fetus.
For children or adults with mild iron deficiency anemia, doctors may recommend a daily multivitamin containing iron. But typically, doctors recommend iron tablets — such as prescription ferrous sulfate tablets or an over-the-counter supplement. These oral iron supplements are usually best absorbed from an otherwise empty stomach. However, because iron can irritate your stomach, you may need to take the supplements with food. Your doctor may recommend that you take iron supplements with orange juice or with a vitamin C tablet. Vitamin C helps increase iron absorption. Additionally, take iron supplements two hours before or four hours after taking an antacid, as these medications can interfere with iron absorption.
Iron supplements can cause constipation, so your doctor may also recommend a stool softener. Iron almost always turns stools black, which is a harmless side effect. Iron can be given by injection, but this usually isn't necessary.
Iron deficiency can't be corrected overnight. You may need to take iron supplements for several months or longer to replenish your iron reserves. Generally, you'll start to feel better after a week or so of treatment. Pregnant women routinely take prescription iron supplements for the duration of their pregnancy, to prevent or treat iron deficiency anemia. Ask your doctor when you need to return to have your blood rechecked.
Depending on the mother's diet, breast milk may not contain enough iron for a growing infant. Most infant formulas contain adequate iron, but some babies require additional iron. Ask the doctor if your baby might need extra iron, but don't give additional iron without talking to your child's doctor first.
Treating causes other than poor diet
If iron supplements alone don't increase blood-iron levels in adults, it's likely the anemia is due to more than an iron-poor diet. It may be due to a source of bleeding or an iron-absorption problem that your doctor will need to investigate and treat. Depending on the cause, iron deficiency anemia treatment may involve:
- Medications, such as oral contraceptives to lighten heavy menstrual flow
- Antibiotics and other medications to treat peptic ulcers
- Surgery to remove a bleeding polyp, a tumor or a fibroid
If iron deficiency anemia is severe, blood transfusions can help replace iron and hemoglobin quickly.
- Iron-deficiency anemia. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/ida/ida_all.html. Accessed Jan. 22, 2009.
- Schrier SL. Causes and diagnosis of anemia due to iron deficiency. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 19, 2009.
- Schrier SL. Approach to the adult patient with anemia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 19, 2009.
- Mesa R (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 28, 2009.
- Schrier SL. Treatment of anemia due to iron deficiency. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 19, 2009.
