Iron tablets: what the NHS says people can expect

This page reports what the NHS says about iron tablets prescribed or recommended for iron deficiency anaemia. It is not dosing advice. The dose, the product and the length of treatment are decisions for the person who prescribes or advises, and they vary with the person and the cause.

How long the NHS says they are usually taken

The NHS says iron tablets are usually taken for about six months. It adds that blood tests may be repeated over the following months, and that the cause of the low iron is treated as well, for example heavy periods or an ulcer.

Side effects the NHS lists

• Constipation or diarrhoea.
• Stomach pain and heartburn.
• Feeling sick.
• Darker stools than usual.

The NHS says taking tablets with or soon after food may help with side effects, and that people are advised to keep taking them even if they cause side effects.

Absorption and diet, as the NHS describes them

The NHS says orange juice with the tablets may help absorption, and that tea, coffee, milk and dairy foods, and foods high in phytic acid such as wholegrain cereals, can reduce how much iron is absorbed. For food, it lists dark green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals and bread, meat, dried fruit and pulses as sources of iron.

Safety

The NHS warns that iron tablets must be kept out of reach of children, because an iron overdose can be fatal in young children.

Why a log helps

Tablets taken for months are easy to lose track of. A simple record of taken and skipped days, the product and strength as printed on the label, and anything you notice gives your doctor the real history when blood tests are repeated. FerroLady records taken and skipped days, and ferrolady.com/guides has a guide to keeping an iron supplement log.