What Are The Side Effects Of Iron Supplements?

Constipation Or Diarrhea

Patients might notice changes in their stools and bowel habits while taking iron. Dark stools are particularly common, and constipation or diarrhea could develop. Pregnant women who take iron are at an increased risk of constipation. To treat constipation, doctors recommend increasing dietary fiber intake by including more whole grains, oatmeal, fruits, and vegetables in daily meals. Some patients might want to take a fiber supplement or a stool softener, and individuals who have more troublesome constipation might need to use a laxative or an enema for relief. To treat diarrhea, patients could consider temporarily reducing dietary fiber. Foods such as white rice and applesauce may be beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea, and patients should aim to avoid fried foods, beans, cabbage, and spicy foods, all of which could worsen diarrhea. If diarrhea or constipation continue for more than a few days, patients should see their doctor for advice. In particular, patients should let their physician know if they experience bloody diarrhea, as this could be a sign of iron overload.

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Numbness And Tingling

Numbness and tingling are signs of nerve issues, and they develop most often in the hands and feet. Both symptoms can occur due to an iron deficiency and as a side effect of treatment with iron supplements. Some patients who have numbness and tingling might also experience pain in their hands and feet. To assess numbness and tingling, doctors can check a patient's sensation, and they might also perform an exam to test whether the patient can distinguish between warm and cool temperatures. Patients should let their doctor know about any numbness or tingling, especially if it spreads to the face, as this may be a sign of an allergic reaction to the iron supplements. In cases of persistent tingling, doctors may adjust the dose of the patient's iron medication, or they might recommend stopping the supplements for a few days to see if symptoms improve.

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