What Do Iron Pills Do for You?

Iron pills or supplements are sometimes prescribed to treat anemia. Although they can help increase iron levels, they can also have unpleasant side effects and are dangerous if taken improperly.

Pregnant women may need iron pills to treat anemia.

Background

Anemia is a condition that occurs when your body has insufficient hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Iron is necessary to make hemoglobin. Pregnant women, vegetarians and people suffering from internal bleeding are at a higher risk for anemia.

Purpose

Iron pills help increase the body's level of iron. They are often used when dietary changes cannot adequately restore deficient iron levels.

Side Effects

Iron pills sometimes cause heartburn, constipation and stomach upset. Beginning with a small dose and taking pills with food can help reduce unpleasant side effects.

Risks

Adult men and postmenopausal women are rarely iron deficient and therefore have a greater risk of iron overload from iron pills. Iron overload is a dangerous condition in which excess iron builds up in organs, including the liver and heart.

Warning

Iron pills can be fatally toxic in children. Children may mistake iron pills for candy; store iron pills safely.

References

• Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron
• The College of Family Physicians of Canada: Anemia