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Uses of Iron Tablets

Iron is a mineral that is naturally contained in the body. This mineral actively helps the body make hemoglobin, an important part of the red blood cells. With the help of hemoglobin, red blood cells are able to carry oxygen throughout the body. Natural food sources of iron are meats, fish, poultry and vegetables -- including beans and whole grains. Iron tablets are used to counteract a deficiency of the mineral in some people, mainly women and children.

  1. Pregnancy

    • Pregnant women have a greater need for iron as their bodies have to support at least two lives. Doctors usually advise women to adjust their diet to include an increased iron intake, and will prescribe iron tablets if the necessary increase is not achieved by simply eating foods rich in iron. A pregnant woman with an iron deficiency has an increased risk for preterm delivery and for delivering a baby with a low birth weight. However, do not self-medicate with over-the-counter iron tablets as too much iron can be harmful to the baby.

    Menstrual Blood Loss

    • Women who experience a heavy menstrual blood loss are usually advised by their doctors to use iron tablets. The monthly loss of blood can reduce the iron content in the body significantly and can lead to anaemia. Women are often not able to compensate for the loss through the consumption of iron-rich foods and, in certain circumstances, have to take an iron tablet each day to make up for the deficiency.

    Children

    • During growth spurts, children can experience an iron deficiency or even anaemia because their volume increases faster than the body manages to develop iron. The deficiency is mainly diagnosed in children at the age of 3 years or younger, but older children can also experience periods of low iron. The deficiency can result in developmental delays and even behavioral problems. However, children should only receive iron tablets after consulting a doctor as too much iron is harmful and can be toxic.

    Diseases

    • The iron contained in food is absorbed by the body in the gut. Some disorders, including Crohn's disease and celiac disease, affect the ability of the intestines to absorb nutrients by not digesting the food. This lowers the iron levels in the body significantly and can usually not be corrected through diet. Patients diagnosed with Crohn's disease or celiac disease, therefore, will usually receive prescriptions for iron tablets, apart from their regular medication.

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