Elemental Iron
ELEMENTAL IRON
Overview:
Elemental iron is the actual amount of pure iron present in an iron supplement that the body can absorb and use. It is essential for making hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Healthcare providers often use elemental iron to correct low iron levels, boost energy, and enhance general health in people with anemia.
Classification: Iron supplement
Uses:
- Treats and prevents iron deficiency anemia.
- Restores low iron levels in the body.
- Helps reduce tiredness, weakness, and fatigue caused by anemia.
- Supports healthy red blood cell production and overall energy.
How it works:
In medical terms, elemental iron works by replenishing the body’s iron stores, which are essential for the production of hemoglobin inside red blood cells. Hemoglobin binds to oxygen in the lungs and carries it to different parts of the body. By increasing hemoglobin and red blood cell production, iron improves oxygen transport, helping reduce fatigue and weakness.
Dosage: As prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects:
- Stomach upset or discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Constipation
- Dark or black stools
- Diarrhea (sometimes)
- Metallic taste in the mouth
Precautions:
When using elemental iron, be sure to heed the recommendation of your physician since excess iron is dangerous. Follow the dosage prescribed and preferably on an empty stomach which will ensure better absorption unless it causes stomach upset. It should not be taken with tea, coffee, or dairy products because they can inhibit absorption. Rather than taking it alone, you can have it with vitamin C combined foods (such as orange juice) to enhance its absorption by the body. Iron should not be within the reach of children because they can suffer overdosing by accident.
Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Folic Acid
FOLIC ACID
OVERVIEW
Folic acid (vitamin B9) is a B vitamin supplement that may be used to prevent and treat folate deficiency (low blood levels of folate) that can cause megaloblastic anemia.
CLASSIFICATION
B-vitamin
USES
Folic acid is a B complex vitamin effective in the treatment of megaloblastic anemias due to a deficiency of folic acid (as may be seen in tropical or nontropical sprue) and in anemia of nutritional origin, pregnancy, infancy, or childhood.
HOW IT WORKS
Folic acid is approved for the prevention and treatment of folate deficiency. Healthy levels of this vitamin, which is really a hormone, not only helps form red blood cells, it protects your brain health and supports a healthy pregnancy.
DOSAGE
As directed by the physician
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using folic acid; folic acid requirements are markedly increased during pregnancy, and deficiency may harm a fetus. Folic acid passes into breast milk. Folic acid requirements are markedly increased while breastfeeding; however, amounts present in breast milk are adequate to fulfil infant requirements. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding
SIDE EFFECTS
Redness
skin rash
itching
feeling unwell (malaise), and
respiratory difficulty due to bronchospasm
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
PRECAUTIONS
Read the label carefully before use
Store in a dry and dark place at a temperature not exceeding 30C. Do not freeze
Keep out of reach of children
SIDE EFFECTS
· Redness
· Dryness
· Itching
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
