Types Of Iron Supplements And Which One Is Best For You
                     Different  Types  of  Iron
Supplements  and  Which  One  Is
Best For You
Iron is a vital  component of the hemoglobin, which is the protein
that  carries  oxygen  from  the  lungs  to  other  parts  of  the  body.
Maintaining adequate levels of iron in the body is important for a
healthy life, as its deficiency can lead to many chronic diseases.
The helter-skelter lifestyle has deteriorated our eating and drinking
habits. So, we are not able to get sufficient amounts of nutrients
from the food we eat  and depend on supplements.  The demand
for  liquid  I ron supplement  for adults has gradually increased over
the years. This is because many people become victims of anemia.
Types of Iron Supplement
 Oral Iron Supplement
The oral  iron  supplement  comes
in  pills,  tablets,  drops,  and
capsule  forms.  It  helps  to  treat
anemia by increasing the level of
iron in hemoglobin. For these, you
don’t  require  a  doctor’s
subscription.
Here  are  different  kinds  of  oral
iron supplements –
1. Ferric citrate
2. Ferric sulfate
3. Ferrous sulfate
4. Ferrous gluconate
These supplements contain different amounts of elemental iron. The
higher  the  percentage  of  elemental  iron  in  the  supplement,  the
more the iron absorbed by the body.
For  instance,  Ferrous  gluconate  contains  12%  elemental  iron,
ferrous  sulfate  contains  20%  elemental  iron,  ferrous  formulate
contains  33% elemental  iron.  Therefore,  ferrous  formulate  is  the
richest source of elemental iron in them.
But it’s not just about the quantity of iron, you should take such iron
supplements that contain ample amounts of elemental iron and with
this, it can be tolerated by your body. 
Experimental results show that Ferrous sulfate is the best source of
iron that can be easily absorbed by the body and results in very
little gastrointestinal and other problems.
The iron supplements taste metallic, so children often don’t like to
eat them. 
Therefore  many  companies  have  developed  various
flavored chewable iron supplements for kids, which are easily
available in the market.
Here  are some side effects,  which can take place due to
excessive oral iron intake.
1. It may cause constipation
2. Results in dark stool
3. Feel like heartburn
4. Change in taste buds
5. Vomiting or nausea
6. Difficulty in breathing
7. Continuous hand and feet aches
8. Increase in heart rate
 Intravenous Iron Supplements
Many people are unable to take iron supplements orally because of
various reasons, so intravenous infusion is required. In this method,
iron is injected in the vein with the help of a syringe. 
In the following cases, iron is given in Intravenous form
1. If the person’s body is not able to absorb it in oral form.
2. If a person experiences blood loss due to an accident.
3. If the gestational tract is not working well.
4. If the level of iron is to increase very rapidly due to a medical
emergency.
Different types of Intravenous iron supplements are -:
1. Iron sucrose
2. Iron Dextran
3. Ferric gluconate
The  intravenous  iron  supplements  are  not  given  without  the
subscription of a physician and are suggested during the adverse
event.
Here are the side effects of taking iron in Intravenous form -:
1. Rashes and other skin problems
2. Chest pain
3. Low blood pressure
4. Gestational issues
5. Swelling in the face, arms, and legs
6. Muscles and joints pain
Important things to note for infusion treatment -:
1. Do not skip your lunch or breakfast
2. Take your medication properly
3. Be mentally prepared for drip infusion
4. Seek help in case of hostile reaction
Intravenous iron supplementation can help a sick person to raise the
body’s iron content to optimal levels. But it should always be taken
under the supervision of  a doctor.  Because only he knows about
which supplement best suits you and increases and decreases the
dose  according  to  your  body’s  tolerance.  This  procedure  is  very
lengthy and a person has to visit several  times to the doctor for
treatment.
Conclusion
Iron deficiency can cause anemia, so it is very important to take iron
supplements  to  avoid  it.  Oral  iron supplements  are cost-effective
and have less side effects as compared to intravenous one.