What Are the Benefits of Iron Supplementation?

When your body does not receive enough iron from the foods that you eat, you can begin to become symptomatic. Iron supplementation may be necessary if your body is unable to maintain a healthy iron level. If you have an iron deficiency, anemia or receive dialysis, your doctor may suggest incorporating an iron supplement into your diet. Benefits vary, and iron supplements should only be used when absolutely necessary.

Weakness and Fatigue

• If you are iron deficient because you are anemic, or do not eat enough iron rich foods due to a vegetarian diet, you may experience weakness and fatigue. International Health Biochemistry explains that iron is essential for proper oxygen circulation in your blood. Iron helps your body manufacture the hemoglobin necessary to help red blood cells carry oxygen. Iron supplementation helps to raise iron levels in the body, promoting adequate oxygen circulation.

Restless Leg Syndrome

• Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that results in uncomfortable, and often annoying, sensations in the legs. Movement and stretching of the legs offers limited comfort. RLS symptoms usually return once a relaxed position is resumed. RLS has been closely associated with patients who experience iron deficiency. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that iron supplementation has been beneficial in relieving RLS symptoms in those that are iron deficient.

Blood Loss

• Women who are post-menopausal and those that maintain healthy monthly cycles are usually free of any worries related to iron deficiency. Women who experience heavy bleeding during their monthly periods, which is a condition referred to as menorrhagia, tend to develop iron deficiencies. Studies from the University of California, San Diego explain that 200 to 200 mg of iron supplementation per day can benefit patients with menorrhagia by helping to restore low iron levels.

Iron Inhibitors

• According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, iron inhibitors can actually interfere with iron absorption in the bodies of those that eat an iron rich diet. Coffee, tea, bran products and members of the legumes family are recognized iron inhibitors. The incorporation of any one of these items into the daily diet poses a risk for iron deficiency. Reducing the amounts of iron inhibitors that are ingested and taking a daily iron supplement can benefit the body by helping to replace what iron has been lost through the malabsorption process.

Warnings

• Just as too little iron in your diet can be unhealthy, too much iron is also problematic. Common side effects can result from an overdose of iron including, muscle pain, fever, dizziness, chills and vomiting. In more severe cases of prolonged iron over supplementation irregular heartbeat, weakness and seizures can result, requiring immediate medical assistance.