TIPS FOR TAKING
IRON
v
Iron is best
absorbed on an empty stomach. Yet, iron supplements can cause stomach cramps,
nausea, and diarrhea in some people. You may need to take iron with a small
amount of food to avoid this problem.
v
Milk, calcium and
antacids should NOT be taken at the same time as iron supplements. You should
wait at least 2 hours after having these foods before taking your iron
supplements.
v
Foods that you
should NOT eat at the same time as you take your iron include:
v High fiber foods, such as whole grains, raw
vegetables, and bran
v Foods or drinks with caffeine
v
Some doctors suggest
taking a vitamin C supplement or drinking orange juice with your iron pill.
This can help the iron absorb into your body. Drinking 8 ounces (240
milliliters) of fluid with an iron pill is also OK.
v Iron tablets may cause other drugs you are
taking to not work as well. Some of these include tetracycline, penicillin, and
ciprofloxacin and drugs used for hypothyroidism, Parkinson disease, and
seizures.
v Medicines that reduce stomach acid will impair
iron absorption. Your provider may suggest changing these.
v Wait at least 2 hours between doses of these
drugs and iron supplements.
SIDE EFFECTS
v
Constipation and
diarrhea are very common. If constipation becomes a problem, take a stool softener
such as docusate sodium (Colace).
v
Nausea and vomiting
may occur with higher doses, but they can be controlled by taking the iron in
smaller amounts. Ask your provider about switching to another form of iron
rather than just stopping.
v
Black stools are
normal when taking iron tablets. In fact, this is felt to be a sign that the
tablets are working correctly. Talk to your provider right away if:
v The stools are tarry-looking as well as black
v If they have red streaks
v Cramps, sharp pains, or soreness in the
stomach occur
v
Liquid forms of iron
may stain your teeth.
v Try mixing the iron with water or other
liquids (such as fruit juice or tomato juice) and drinking the medicine with a
straw.
v Iron stains can be removed by brushing your
teeth with baking soda or peroxide.
v
Keep tablets in a
cool place. (Bathroom medicine cabinets may be too warm and humid, which may
cause the pills to fall apart.)
v
Keep iron
supplements out of the reach of children. If your child swallows an iron pill,
contact a poison control center right away.
TIPS FOR TAKING
Calcium
v Calcium dissolves in the stomach and is absorbed through the
lining of the small intestine into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, calcium builds bone,
regulates the expansion and contraction of the blood vessels, and performs
other important functions.
v If you take calcium supplements,
be sure to follow these rules: avoid taking more than 500
milligrams at once. Take supplements
with food for best absorption. Do not take supplements
with high-fat or high-fiber foods, as these foods interfere with the absorption
of calcium.
The best sources of iron
in the diet.
v
Fortified breakfast cereals.
v
Cooked oysters. ...
v
White beans. ...
v
Dark chocolate. ...
v
Organ meats. ...
v
Soybeans. ...
v
Lentils. ...
v
Spinach
v
Ride fruits, such as prunes, figs, and apricots.
v
Tofu.
Sources of calcium include:
v Milk, cheese
and other dairy foods.
v Green leafy
vegetables – such as broccoli, cabbage and okra, but not spinach.
v Soya beans.
v Tofu.
v Soya drinks
with added calcium.
v Nuts.
v Bread and
anything made with fortified flour.
v fish where
you eat the bones – such as sardines and pilchards
v
Apricots. Out of the many calcium-rich fruits, apricots top the
list.
v
Kiwi.
v
Oranges.
v
Berries.
v
Pineapples.
v
Litchi.
v
Papaya.
Sources of protein include:
v
Lean meat, poultry and fish.
v
Eggs.
v
Dairy products like milk, yoghurt and cheese.
v
Seeds and nuts.
v
beans and legumes (such as lentils and chickpeas)
v
soy products like tofu
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