What Are the Benefits of Iron Pills?

Taking iron pills, also known as iron supplements, can help the body in several ways. These pills can improve the quality of a person's health and the quality of everyday life. Iron pills are especially beneficial to small children who are growing rapidly and pregnant women who need the extra nutrition to support the needs of their unborn child.

What is Iron?

• Iron is a mineral used by the body to produce a healthy amount of red blood cells.

Significance

• If the body does not produce the proper amount of iron needed, a condition called anemia can occur. Iron pills, if taken in proper amounts, will help to relieve symptoms such as fatigue or feeling run down easily.

Function

• Iron pills are used to help replenish the amount of iron in a person's blood so the body can produce a healthy amount of red blood cells. If a person has certain conditions such as bleeding problems, stomach problems or pregnancy, an iron supplement may be needed.

Considerations

• Iron pills reduce the probability of complications due to iron deficiency such as learning problems in both children and adults. Iron deficiency can also cause shortness of breath, physical weakness and make you more prone to infection.

Warning

• Always consult your physician before starting iron pills. Although it is harmful to lack enough iron in your blood, high levels of iron could be just as harmful. Iron pills could reduce the effectiveness of many antibiotics or blood pressure medications and should not be taken with aspirin or ibuprofen.