How to Treat Colitis With Iron Supplements

Iron-deficiency anemia is often a result of colitis. Bleeding from the intestines may reduce the body's ability to produce red blood cells. Iron supplements are often required to replace the iron that is usually obtained through diet and processed through the intestines. Unusual fatigue and shortness of breath are just two symptoms that may indicate a need for further evaluation by your physician.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Plan to Use Iron Supplements to Treat Anemia From Colitis

1. Discuss the possibility of ways to treat iron deficiency anemia with your doctor if you have an inflammatory disorder such as colitis. Since colitis is the cause of the anemia, it must be monitored along with the status of anemia.
2. Replace heme iron found in high amounts in red meat with iron supplements. Many people diagnosed with colitis find it necessary to avoid red meat to reduce the frequency and severity of an ulcerative colitis flareup. It becomes critical to replace the dietary iron to prevent anemia.
3. Choose ferrous sulfate as an iron supplement to treat anemia associated with colitis. It works by increasing the transport of oxygen in the blood to prevent iron-deficiency anemia. Brand names include Femiron, Feosol, Fer-In-Sol and Slow-FE.
4. Consider iron supplements with vitamin C added if you're unable to tolerate foods naturally high in iron content. The vitamin C helps the body absorb iron.
5. Compare the two forms of iron supplements. Ferrous iron is easier to absorb than ferric. Dietary iron is either heme (iron found in meat) or nonheme (iron found in plants).
6. Stay within the recommended daily dose for adult males over 10 years of age at 10 mg per day, adult females ages 19 to 50 at 15 mg per day and adult females 51 years and older at 10 mg per day. For women who are pregnant or lactating and have anemia resulting from colitis, only your physician can determine the appropriate limits of iron supplements.

Tips & Warnings

• Liquid forms of iron supplements may stain the teeth. To avoid the stain, dilute the iron in juice and drink with a straw.
• Keep your appointments for regular blood checks for iron level to stay within the safe limits for iron intake.
• Avoid taking iron supplements with calcium supplements or antacids. Allow at least 1 to 2 hours between the iron and other supplements.
• Iron supplements can have an adverse effect when taken with many drugs such as allopurinol, bisphosphonates, cholestyramine, cimetidine and fluoroquinolnes.