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The Eclectic Physician
Vitamin and Mineral Information
Iron
The information on this page compiled by
Beth Burch N.D.
Index
(click on the keywords)
Function
Iron is a vital part of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying
component in red blood cells. It is also part of myoglobin, a compound
that helps muscle cells store oxygen. Iron also is a part of enzymes involved
in energy production and DNA synthesis. Deficiency of iron results in iron
deficiency anemia, increased menstrual bleeding, fatigue, decreased energy
levels, impaired immune function, difficulty swallowing, inflammation of
the tongue and cracked lips. Iron deficiency is the most common nutrient
deficiency in the US. Up to 50% of children under 2, young women and the
elderly may be affected. Iron deficiency in pregnancy is even more common.
Iron deficiency can occur due to inadequate intake, decreased absorption,
increased requirement as in pregnancy or from blood loss. Deficiency of
iron is best diagnosed by a blood ferritin level. Acute iron poisoning
from overdose causes vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, shock and death.
Iron overload results from iron storage in tissue and is characterized
by liver cirrhosis, diabetes, congestive heart failure. Iron overload can
occur in thalassemia, repeated transfusions, and excess intake with high
iron stores.
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Forms
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Ferrous sulfate or fumarate- inorganic iron, poorly absorbed and constipating
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Ferrous succinate or gluconate- organic iron, better absorbed, non-constipating
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Heme iron- from liver, well absorbed, non-constipating
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Food Sources
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Brewer’s yeast, molasses, wheat bran & germ, liver, meat, fish and
seeds are the best sources. Dried fruits, nuts, and leafy greens are good
sources.
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Dosage
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Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
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Infants-6-10 mg
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Children (ages 1-10)- 10 mg
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Men- 10-12 mg
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Women- 10-15 mg
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Pregnancy- 30 mg
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Lactation- 15 mg
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Optimal Supplementation
Treatment
of Health Conditions
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Ferrous sulfate-300 mg three times a day
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Ferrous succinate or gluconate- 30-100 mg daily
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Heme iron (from aqueous liver extract)- 4-6 mg daily
Conditions used
for
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Restless legs syndrome (1, 2)
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Excessive menstrual bleeding (3,
4)
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Iron deficiency
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Side effects
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Nausea and stomach upset- take with food
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Constipation- especially with ferrous sulfate
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Contraindications
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Hemochromatosis, hemosiderosis, polycythemia, thalassemia, sickle cell
anemia, peptic ulcer disease, Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis
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Iron should be used very cautiously in cancer, arthritis, cardiovascular
disease, and infections as it can cause worsening of these conditions
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Interactions
with other nutrients
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Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin E can decrease iron absorption
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Vitamin C increases iron absorption
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Vitamin A helps the body use iron stored in the liver
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Interactions
with medications and herbs
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Antacids, cholestyramine, tetracyclines and pancreatic enzymes decrease
iron absorption
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Iron decreases absorption of tetracyclines, quinolones and penicillamine
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Chloramphenicol delays response to iron therapy
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References
1. Sun ER et al, Iron and the restless legs syndrome, Sleep
1998;21(4):371-7
2. O'Keeffe ST et al, Iron status and restless legs syndrome in the
elderly, Age Ageing 1994;23(3):200-3
3. Tymor ML, The etiological role of chronic iron deficiency in production
of menorrhagia, JAMA 1964;187:323-27
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* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate.
It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
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