Can Iron Pills Cause Gastritis?

Iron is known to be the best dietary supplement for people who are anemic. But many people don’t know that excess iron in the body can also be toxic. It can cause nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fever, abdominal pain, and heartburn. Excess iron in the body can also be toxic to the liver, pancreas, heart, and kidneys. And it can cause other serious health risks, including cancer. The symptoms of iron toxicity include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Irregular heartbeat is a major symptom of iron toxicity. People who have had cancer and people with cancer who are undergoing cancer treatment are especially at risk for iron poisoning..

Can Iron Pills Cause Gastritis? – Related Questions

Can iron damage your stomach?

Iron is a natural component of your bloodstream, and your body needs something called transfusable iron to function properly and to maintain its energy level. However, if taken in excess, it may damage your stomach and also cause adverse side effects. For instance, nausea and vomiting may occur if you overdose this mineral. Worse, iron overload may even cause liver failure, internal bleeding and other internal organ damage, according to the National Institute of Health..

Do iron tablets cause acidity?

Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all the organs and tissues in our body. It is essential for the formation of red blood cells and helps in the production of energy. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Causes of anemia include blood loss, not having enough iron in the diet, not absorbing iron properly and conditions that may affect red blood cell production. The dietary guideline for iron for adults is 18 mg per day. Iron supplements are only required if you are diagnosed with iron deficiency by your doctor..

What are the side effects of taking iron pills?

Iron is an essential mineral for almost all living organisms. However, taking too much iron is harmful to your health. Iron overload is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized world..

Why do I feel worse after taking iron tablets?

Your body is used to getting iron from food and it is absorbed very well. When you start taking iron supplements it gives a different form of Iron. The body is not used to this form of Iron and so your body may reject it. The iron that is being released from food is absorbed by the body in a complex process that involves a transport protein called transferrin. It binds to the iron and passes it through the wall of the gut and into the blood stream. In contrast, the type of iron in supplements is absorbed in a different way. The body does not have a transport protein specific to it, so it does not enter the blood stream..

Does low iron cause gastritis?

Iron is a mineral that is important for healthy blood. If you have iron deficiency anemia, meaning not enough red blood cells in your blood, you may have symptoms similar to a stomach ulcer, including pain or burning in your upper abdomen that may happen with meals. Other signs include a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food, pale skin, fatigue and shortness of breath. If you have an iron deficiency anemia, you may need to take supplements for a while before your symptoms improve. For most people with anemia, eating more foods that are rich in iron can help. Red meat, poultry, fish, lentils, beans, spinach, cereals like fortified or whole-grain, broccoli, raisins, figs, egg yolks, and iron-fortified juices are all good sources of iron..

Why can’t I take antacids with iron pills?

[ Excerpts from Wikipedia ] Taking antacids and iron at the same time can decrease the absorption of the iron and if the body is not getting enough iron it can result in iron deficiency anemia. An antacid is a product intended to reduce the effects of stomach acidity in the form of a tablet, liquid or powder. Antacids in general reduce the acidity in the stomach by increasing the pH and in the duodenum (first part of the small intestine) by reducing gastric acid secretion, decreasing gastric acid backflow, or by binding to hydrogen ions..

Does ferrous sulfate cause acid reflux?

Acid Reflux occurs when the acid in your stomach spills up into your esophagus. This happens when your lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxes, allowing the stomach contents to travel backwards. Now to the question does Ferrous Sulfate cause acid reflux? Yes, taking too much iron may cause acid reflux. It is better to consult your doctor before taking the medicine..

When should I stop taking iron supplements?

When you feel healthy and well again, you can stop taking them. If you don’t feel well and stop taking iron supplements, you risk feeling worse and worse and the condition might become permanent. Your doctor should supervise your recovery and check for anaemia..

How long should you take iron tablets for?

Make sure your doctor knows you are having iron tablets because iron can affect your absorption of other medicines. Iron usually comes in two forms: Iron sulfate (Feosol) and ferrous sulfate (Fer-in-Sol). Feosol is taken only by mouth; Fer-in-Sol is also given by injection for very severe iron deficiency. Iron can lead to constipation, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting. If you take too much iron, you may feel lightheaded or short of breath. If you have any side effects, call your doctor. The body can absorb only so much iron at one time. So it is always best to take the iron supplements only after food, it will help you to absorb the maximum iron. If you take iron without any food whatsoever, you may not absorb any of the iron..

Is it bad to take iron supplements?

Iron supplements are frequently taken to treat iron deficiency anemia, however, more than __ of Americans over the age of __ take daily supplements, even when they are not anemic. Recent data suggests that large amounts of supplemental iron can cause gastrointestinal problems like nausea, constipation, and abdominal cramping. Iron is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in the function of several organs. It plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron also plays an important role in the function of the brain, liver, and immune system. Menstruating women lose iron each month. If you cannot get enough iron through your diet, your doctor may recommend an iron supplement. You should not take iron supplements if you are prone to allergies. If you are having surgery or are pregnant, you should also avoid taking iron supplements. Talk to your doctor if you are considering taking an iron supplement..