3 Tips for Choosing the Best Iron Supplement for Sensitive Stomach

Did you know that anemia is one of the most common blood diseases? What’s more, around 3 million people in America have it. Finding the best iron supplement for a sensitive stomach can be challenging if you’re one of them.

These tips may be just what you need. To learn more, continue reading below.

Do You Need Iron Supplements?

Although not everyone suffers from anemia, some are more at risk than others. For example, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or menstruate, are an athlete, or someone who takes antacids or proton inhibitors, you may be at risk for the iron deficit in your hemoglobin known as anemia.

Making foods rich in iron a part of your diet can help, but this can be challenging if follow specific diets or lifestyles such as being vegetarian since foods high in protein are generally fall in the meat or fish category.

Primary symptoms among those diagnosed with iron deficiencies include dizziness, shortness of breath, fatigue, and pale skin. Your practitioner’s diagnosis will tell you one of the first remedies is an over-the-counter bottle of iron supplements. Still, these can be upsetting to your stomach.

The Best Iron Supplement for Sensitive Stomach

If this is your first time taking an iron supplement, reading the labels can be challenging. Most iron supplements are generally ferrous iron, including ferrous fumarate, ferrous sulfate, and ferrous gluconate.

Newer iron supplements contain slow-release forms of iron that help reduce stomach upsets. Here are a few tips to help with stomach upset when taking iron.

1. Look for Gentle Iron Supplements

Gentle iron supplements and newer versions of iron supplements often contain a slow-release form of ferrous sulfate with mucoproteose. These don’t absorb as quickly, which results in fewer stomach-related side effects.

Some brands to look for include Feosol Complete with Bifera, New Chapter, and Iron Supplements From Vitabiotics.

2. Take With Food

While most experts say that iron is better absorbed on an empty stomach, it’s also true that these supplements are known to cause a variety of stomach issues. For example, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain or cramps are possible side effects.

Taking your supplements with some food can help you avoid these discomforts, but there are some foods to avoid as these interfere with iron absorption.

Foods high in fiber such as raw veggies, bran, or whole grains
Caffeinated food or beverages

Some practitioners suggest taking iron with Vitamin C, but this is to aid in absorption rather than avoid stomach upset.

3 Other Causes For Gastinal Intestinal Problems

The source of your stomach issues is most often your iron supplement; still, that isn’t always the cause. An excellent way to learn the origin of your pain is a food diary. Note down everything you put in your mouth for a week and share it with your doctor.

Sometimes the cause can be constipation that comes along with taking iron supplements. If this is the problem in your case, ask your doctor for a stool softener to help resolve the issue.

Best IRON Supplement for Sensitive Stomach

Many iron supplements cause stomach problems, which makes it essential to discuss these with your practitioner. Finding the best iron supplement for a sensitive stomach will help.

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