Iron Supplements for Teens

Fast food-loving teens do not always get all of the vitamins and minerals they need to grow up healthy and strong. If your teen seems tired all the time, complains of dizziness, is not hungry and is more irritable than normal, she could be anemic and may need iron supplements.

Daily Requirements

• According to the National Library of Medicine (NLM), teenagers should be getting at least 8 mg of iron until they reach 13 years old (see Resources). At that point, boys should increase their iron intake to 11 mg and girls need even more--up to15 mg.

Dietary Sources

• Adolescents can boost their consumption of iron by eating foods such as meat, fish, nuts, whole grain breads, rice and dried beans. Dark green vegetables like broccoli and kale are also good sources of dietary iron.

Supplements

• Teens who are not getting enough iron through diet alone can take iron supplement pills. Dosages will depend on the child's age and level of deficiency.

Side Effects

• Overdosing on iron supplements is called iron poisoning. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath and feeling dizzy.

Drug Interaction

• Iron supplements can affect the way other medications are absorbed into your body. Make sure your teen's doctor knows about other medications he may be taking to avoid harmful interactions.