If you are vegan and still deficient in iron, then you must have consumed vegan iron capsules. This article will be a must-read for you.

A healthcare professional may prescribe iron supplements if someone does not have enough iron in their body. People can also purchase over-the-counter iron supplements.

Vegan diet has become one of the most popular lifestyle choices in recent years. It comprises eliminating all animal-derived foods and by-products from the diet, including dairy and meat. Plant-based foods are the only source of nutrients in a vegan diet. Many people have reported improving their physical and mental health by switching to a vegan diet. After you decide to go vegan, however, it is not all rainbows and sunshine.

When we switch from an animal-based diet to a plant-based diet, it becomes difficult to track our calories. It is because plant-based foods are not as rich in calories as animal-based foods. Hence, if you are eating smaller portions as you did in your earlier lifestyle, it is sure to bring down your energy levels drastically. You must ensure that you are consuming a proper 2000 calories diet even while eating a plant-based diet. By not having enough nutrition, you don’t just risk health problems but also increase your chances to abandon your diet and go back to old ways.

Why Do We Need Iron?

Hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells, is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Hemoglobin requires iron to function properly. The overall quantity of iron in our bodies is usually approximately 3-4g. Hemoglobin and another muscle protein called myoglobin account for about 75% of this iron. The remaining 25% is kept in various tissues throughout our bodies, ready to be released in the event of an emergency. Whenever the supply of iron for the normal synthesis of hemoglobin falls, symptoms of iron deficiency anemia develop. The normal hemoglobin value ranges from 12 to 17 grams and is slightly higher in males as compared to females.

What are the Side-effects of Iron Supplements?

These are common even with therapeutic doses and include:

• Nausea,
• Metallic taste,
• Epigastric (a segment in the abdomen) pain,
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea,
• Constipation is more common due to the astringent action of iron.

As mentioned above, the side effects may be minimized by taking the medication with meals. These negative effects will usually fade as the body responds to the supplement. If someone has concerns about these side effects, they should speak with a healthcare practitioner. It’s also possible to have too much iron in the body. Hemochromatosis, also known as iron overload disorder, is a condition in which the body accumulates too much iron. Iron overload conditions can harm the body’s organs, including the heart, liver, and pancreas if left untreated. Iron poisoning can occur if a person consumes more iron supplements than is suggested. If a person feels they have consumed too much iron, they should seek medical help as soon as possible.

Final words

Iron is a mineral that aids red blood cells in transporting oxygen throughout the body. If a person’s body is deficient in iron, a healthcare expert may advise them to eat a high-iron diet or take iron supplements.  One ailment that will necessitate iron supplementation is iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplements may also be required for people who are suffering from less severe forms of iron deficiency as a result of pregnancy or blood loss. While the body adjusts, taking iron supplements may produce some modest adverse effects. If someone feels they’ve consumed too much iron, they should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

The amount of iron that someone needs per day varies depending on different factors. If someone wishes to take iron supplements, they should speak with a healthcare professional or pharmacist. Although there are few alternatives to iron supplements, eating a diet rich in high iron foods may help with maintaining optimum levels of this important mineral.