Iron is an essential mineral that your body uses for oxygen transport. All animal foods, such as red meat, chicken and fish, are good sources of iron. Some plant foods also contain iron. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world, according to the World Health Organization. Adult women of childbearing age need to consume 18 grams of iron per day. If you are not getting enough iron in your diet or have a condition that affects iron absorption, you may need to take an iron supplement daily.
To prevent iron toxicity, only take iron supplements if your doctor has recommended them.
Step 1
Consult your pharmacist to determine if you can dissolve or crush the iron supplement you are taking. In general, time-release capsules and some coated medications are less effective when crushed.
Step 2
Dissolve the iron supplement in juice. Alternately, crush the iron supplement for time-release capsules. You can use a pill crusher to help make it easier.
Step 3
Take a 325-milligram iron supplement with 8 ounces of juice. Orange juice is usually recommended. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin C helps increase iron absorption.
Step 4
Drink the juice with the iron tablet through a straw to prevent any staining of your teeth. Some iron supplements when crushed or taken in liquid form are potentially staining. Brush your teeth after you finish drinking the juice.
Step 5
Avoid mixing your iron with juices that contain calcium. Calcium can affect the iron absorption. You can use other fruit juices -- even tomato juice -- for your iron supplement.
Warnings
References
Warnings
- To prevent iron toxicity, only take iron supplements if your doctor has recommended them.
Writer Bio
Ireland Wolfe has been writing professionally since 2009, contributing to Toonari Post, Africana Online and Winzer Insurance. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and Master of Arts in mental health counseling. She is also a licensed mental health counselor, registered nutritionist and yoga teacher.