Iron may be abundant in the earth but iron deficiencies are quite common. In fact, this is the most common type of anemia. It is especially common amongst women of childbearing age. This is due to the loss of blood during menstruation as well as the higher demand for iron during pregnancy. Iron is not produced by the body. We are therefore solely dependent on our diets for replenishing iron stores.
If you’re deficient in iron, you may have been advised by your doctor to take iron supplements to meet your body’s demand. Many people find it difficult to determine which supplements to buy. They are bombarded by an overwhelming selection and aren’t sure which they ought to pick.
One thing you should keep in mind when choosing an iron supplement is that there is no one iron supplement that is suitable for everyone. Instead of looking for the best iron supplement for everyone, you should instead look for the right supplement for you. Here are a few things that you should consider in doing so.
The amount of elemental iron in the supplement:
One of the most common mistakes people make when purchasing iron supplements is looking at the overall weight or strength of the supplement. You should instead look or the amount of elemental iron for each capsule or tablet. For example, Orzax liposomal iron 25mg provides 25mg of elemental iron with each capsule. It is important to ensure that the amount of elemental iron will meet your dosage requirements. Daily iron requirements are influenced by various factors including age, gender, diet, level of activity and whether you’re pregnant or not. For example, the daily iron requirement recommended for women of child bearing age is a minimum of 18mg, while that of pregnant women is a minimum of 27mg. It is best to consult your doctor to determine the best dosage level to meet your needs.
The side effects:
Another important factor to consider are the side effects of taking the supplement. Conventional oral iron supplements have been shown to have unpleasant side effects on some people. They can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and indigestion. These side effects subside in some people when smaller doses of iron are administered. For others, taking a meal with the supplement helps to ease these symptoms. However, it interferes with iron absorption which can be counterproductive. Orzaxliposomal iron capsules are gentle on the gut. These supplements feature liposomal technology which involves encapsulation of iron in a liposome. This has been shown to potentially protect the gut and thus reduce side effects of taking iron supplements. Liposomal iron is worth considering if you’re suffering side effects from taking oral iron supplements.
Convenience:
Consistency is a crucial part of dealing with iron deficiency. Being able to consistently stick to your dosing schedule ensures compliance. You will be able to reap the benefits of iron supplementation if you are compliant. Choose a supplement that you can easily fit into your daily schedule. For example, if you have a busy lifestyle, capsules that you only need to take once a day, such as Orzax liposomal iron capsules, would be a great option. You only have to think of taking your supplement once a day. The liposomal iron capsules are also great as you can have them with or without a meal. You can therefore take them any time of the day.
Finding the best iron supplement for your needs will help ensure that you get the most benefit from supplementation. Use the tips above to identify the supplement that is right for you.