Iron supplementation

Email this page to a friend

Want news about Iron supplementation and more e-mailed to you? Click here for free email alerts

Perfect Health the Natural Way Mary-Ann Shearer See book keywords and concepts

Dietary fiber consumed in large amounts (as when adding bran to meals) interferes with calcium absorption as do zinc, vitamin A, and iron supplementation. Reason enough, yet again, not to take supplements. Caffeine and alcohol increase the urinary excretion of calcium. Irrational mega-doses of vitamins and minerals appear to have an adverse effect on bone status. Seems like you would be doing some serious damage if you continue to take supplements; remember that 90-96 percent of your hard-earned cash is being flushed away along with your bone mass.

The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

In infants and adolescents, inadequate dietary iron necessitates iron supplementation as well. Inadequate dietary intake of iron is common in many parts of the world, especially in populations that consume primarily vegetarian diets. Typical infant diets in developed countries, which are high in milk and cereals, are also low in iron. The adolescent consuming a "junk food" diet is at high risk for iron deficiency, too. However, the population at greatest risk for a diet deficient in iron is the low-income elderly population.

Naturopathic Nutrition: A Guide to Nutrient-rich Food & Nutritional Supplements for Optimum Health Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH See book keywords and concepts

In restless leg syndrome and excessive menstrual bleeding, improvements from iron supplementation will occur, especially when the serum iron or ferritin levels were low prior to treatment. An effective clinical response will happen more frequently among patients having low serum iron or ferritin levels, even in the absence of anemia. In other clinical situations, iron has proven to be therapeutically valuable due to its effect on increasing iron status in the body.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

This need for continual iron supplementation even after deficiency has been overcome should be determined by a doctor. Liver extracts (page 547) from beef are a rich natural source of many vitamins and minerals, including iron. Bovine liver extracts provide the most absorbable form of iron—heme iron—as well as other nutrients critical in building blood, including vitamin (page 601) and folic acid (page 520). Liver extracts can contain as much as 3—4 mg of heme iron per gram.

Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts

It was erroneously stated by the authors that these women do not require prophylactic iron supplementation since no hematological abnormalities appeared, despite significantly reduced iron stores.) Iron supplementation, at a daily dose of 100 mg elemental iron, has been recommended as a prophylactic therapy by several researchers, since it appears that chronic iron deficiency may promote menorrhagia, and iron-containing enzymes are depleted before hematological changes are observed. A decreased serum ferritin level is a good indication of the need for iron supplementation.

Naturopathic Nutrition: A Guide to Nutrient-rich Food & Nutritional Supplements for Optimum Health Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH See book keywords and concepts

The best way to assess if iron supplementation corrected the problem is to have a blood test for serum ferritin (the stored form of iron in the body) after 4 to 6 months, and assess if it has increased to an acceptable level. If the ferritin level has not reached the target and compliance is not an issue, other reasons for iron's lack of efficacy need to be explored (e.g., continued blood loss from menstruation, low stomach acid, Celiac disease, Crohn's disease). Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia worldwide. In children, the reason is usually due to an inadequate diet.

Some of the other indications for iron supplementation include impaired cognitive function, hair loss, recurrent herpes simplex infections, decreased endurance, and impaired immune function. Optimum Dose For individuals with diagnosed iron deficiency anemia, the required dose is 150 to 200 mg of elemental iron for 4 to 6 months. There is some data demonstrating that elemental iron in dosages as low as 60 mg once or twice weekly can be beneficial in selected populations (elderly patients and patients requiring long-term iron replacement therapy).

Health and Nutrition Secrets Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Also, during bacterial and viral infections, iron supplementation can promote the growth of these organisms, making treatment difficult. I know of many doctors whqi give iron supplements to patients who have severe infections. We also know that iron plays a major role in degenerative diseases of the nervous system, as well as aging of all tissues.460 At one time it was thought that only free iron was the culprit in these disorders, but new evidence indicates that even iron bound to ferritin can be harmful.

Before beginning iron supplementation, have an entire iron panel done, including iron levels, total iron-binding capacity, transferritin saturation, and ferritin levels. How will you know if you are iron-deficient? If your iron panel shows that your ferritin level is less than 12 ug/1 and your transferrin is less than 16 percent saturated, you will need supplementation. If your iron levels are drastically low, take lower doses of iron over a longer period of time rather than very high doses all at once. After three weeks of supplementation, iron levels should be checked.

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

The production of tyrosine hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in the production of dopa (the precursor of dopamine), apparently can be stimulated by iron supplementation. þ A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine concluded that when the drug selegiline (Eldepryl), also known as deprenyl, is taken in the early stages of the disease, the onset of the more disabling symptoms seems to be delayed. The drug's mechanism of action is unclear, however, and it has not been proved that it can actually delay or slow the disease process, as opposed to easing symptoms.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

One preliminary study found iron (page 540) levels to be reduced after both minor and major surgeries, and iron supplementation prior to surgery was not able to prevent this reduction.43 A controlled trial found that intravenous iron was more effective than oral iron for restoring normal iron levels after spinal surgery in children.44 One animal study reported that supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharides (page 522) (FOS) improved the absorption of iron and prevented anemia (page 25) after surgery,45 but no human trials have been done to confirm this finding.

Naturopathic Nutrition: A Guide to Nutrient-rich Food & Nutritional Supplements for Optimum Health Abram Hoffer, PhD, MD, FRCP(C) and Dr. Jonathan Prousjy, DPHE, DSC, ND, FRSH See book keywords and concepts

At age 4 months, 200 mg of ascorbic acid was added, and at age 6 months, he was given iron supplementation and the vitamin E was increased to 1000 IU There was no response. He was then admitted to hospital suffering from stomatitis, and later again for gastroenteritis and pneumonia. By now, he had multiple lesions and denuded areas on his legs, no nails, and adhesions between his fingers and his toes. In addition, he had been constantly constipated. His mother had to remove his stools manually daily.

Health and Nutrition Secrets Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Diabetics, those with degenerative eye diseases (such as macular degeneration), or severe liver or kidney diseases, should also be very careful with iron supplementation. We know that diabetics develop a 40 percent increase in retinal glutamate levels and as a result, free-radical generation and lipid peroxidation increase by 100 percent. Iron greatly increases damage associated with glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. It is also known that high iron levels are associated with a dramatic increase in cataract formation.

Many virulent organisms—especially viruses, bacteria, and mycoplasmic organisms—utilize iron just as we do. iron supplementation in individuals with infections and cancer has produced some disastrous results.526 During infections, supplementing your diet with iron, or eating high iron-containing foods, such as red meats, greatly increases the growth of the viruses and bacteria and will prolong your illness by making it more difficult for your immune system to clear the infection.527 Cancer cells are also highly iron-dependent, growing rapidly and metastasizing in the presence of iron.

The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions Alan R. Gaby, M.D., Jonathan V. Wright, M.D., Forrest Batz, Pharm.D. Rick Chester, RPh., N.D., DipLAc. George Constantine, R.Ph., Ph.D. Linnea D. Thompson, Pharm.D., N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Pre-operative iron supplementation in combination with a medication that stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow is considered by some doctors to be an effective way to minimize the need for post-operative blood transfusions.51 Vitamin C (page 604) deficiency can be detrimental to immune function (page 255) in hospitalized patients,52 and one study found that half of surgery patients recovering at home had low dietary intakes of vitamin C.

Health and Nutrition Secrets Russell L. Blaylock, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

It is especially important for learning and memory in growing children. iron supplementation may also be necessary in endurance athletes, pregnant women, those taking arthritis medication regularly, and for those taking an aspirin a day. Later in life, it becomes less essential. Low iron levels are known to increase the likelihood of infection and can increase the generation of free radicals in tissues. Low levels are also responsible for poor wound healing.

The Woman's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

The effectiveness of the treatment is seen as one-third attributable to A and two-thirds attributable to the iron supplementation. D. Suharno et al., "Supplementation with Vitamin A and Iron for Nutritional Anemia in Pregnant Women in West Java, Indonesia," LancetZAl (November 27, 1993): 1325-28. It's important that your iron supplementation be supervised by a doctor. Excess iron has been linked to cancer and to damage of the liver, heart, and pancreas, as well as to lymphocyte activity. J. F Balch and P. A. Balch, Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing (Garden City Park, N.Y.

The Crazy Makers: How the Food Industry Is Destroying Our Brains and Harming Our Children Carol Simontacchi See book keywords and concepts

The study went on to say that "iron deficiency early in childhood may lead to long term changes in behavior that may not be reversed with iron supplementation, even though the anemia is corrected. A number of dopamine D-2 receptors in the rat brain are reduced when the experimental animals undergo a transient period of iron deficiency during infancy, and are not subsequently restored with iron supplementation."27 Older children seem to be no better off when it comes to receiving adequate amounts of iron in the diet.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

Bone Assure is most effective if taken at night with low-fiber meals. 7. iron supplementation is often required for people who have anemia and need EPO treatment as a result of kidney disease and hemodialysis. If iron levels are too low, EPO alone will not relieve the effects of anemia. Sometimes iron can be taken in a pill form. However, iron may be more effective if given intravenously. CAUTION Only take iron pills if your physician prescribes them for you. 8.

Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

If there is loss of blood via the gut, zinc, magnesium, and iron supplementation is particularly important. If diarrhea is severe, electrolytes must be replaced. In initial stages of treatment, avoid adding fiber to the diet, in order to minimize irritation of the inflamed mucosa. However, as symptoms are brought under control, a gradual buildup to a high-fiber diet is beneficial. Lactobacillus-rich yogurt can also be very helpful. In addition, some people respond well to diets that limit the intake of salicylate-containing foods.

Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

LJ iron supplementation appears to be beneficial to some people with Parkinson's disease. The production of tyrosine hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in the production of dopa (the precursor of dopamine), apparently can be stimulated by iron supplementation. However, consult with your physician before taking supplemental iron. þ If you are taking levodopa, avoid taking supplements of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). However, if you are not taking this drug, vitamin B6 can be very beneficial because the production of dopamine depends on the presence of adequate amounts of this vitamin.

The Doctor's Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia Sheldon Saul Hendler See book keywords and concepts

Iron was identified as having an important role in human health in the middle of the seventeenth century when Thomas Sydenham recommended iron supplementation as a specific remedy for chlorosis, or green sickness (iron-deficiency anemia). Iron deficiency is frequently seen in infants, adolescents and pregnant women. iron supplementation is particularly recommended for these groups.

Conscious Eating Gabriel Cousens, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Iron supplementation for a short time will not cause an imbalance, but research reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1986 shows that long-term use of iron supplementation can result in a decreased copper, zinc, and selenium absorption. Does Vegetarianism Make You "Cold"? T A That TCM practitioners describe as "internal cold" and "damp- V V ness," two symptoms of yang deficiency, is worth considering, especially if one is a kapha type. In the Ayurvedic system, people with predom-inandy kapha constitutions tend toward water imbalances and internal cold.

A note of caution for those who are iron-deficient: The best way to increase iron is to eat high-iron foods such as kale and spinach. iron supplementation for a short time will not cause an imbalance, but research reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1986 shows that long-term use of iron supplementation can result in a decreased copper, zinc, and selenium absorption. Does Vegetarianism Make You "Cold"? T A That TCM practitioners describe as "internal cold" and "damp- V V ness," two symptoms of yang deficiency, is worth considering, especially if one is a kapha type.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

Regular blood tests to assess ferritin and, when indicated, sTfR will assist your doctor in determining whether or not you need iron supplementation. 3. Dietary supplements that can help protect against anemia include folic acid (800 meg/day), vitamin Bj2 (500 meg/day), and melatonin (3-10 mg/day, taken at night) (Vaziri et al. 1996; Herrera et al. 2001).

The New Optimum Nutrition Bible Patrick Holford See book keywords and concepts

And as for balance, iron supplementation can exacerbate zinc deficiency since it is a zinc antagonist. The reason for such antagonism is that the shape of the atoms of many minerals is very similar. They are really just different sizes of cogs, so if you lack one mineral but take in an excess of a similar-shaped one, it can slot into the wrong enzyme, speeding it up, slowing it down, or simply stopping it from working altogether.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

Small numbers of individuals with hemochromatosis acquire the condition through chronic iron supplementation or blood transfusions, but the genetic form is most common. To learn more about hemochromatosis (a significant threat to heart health), consult the Iron Over-load section. • The journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology reported that carotid plaque was significantly more common in both men and women whose parents died prematurely of coronary heart disease (CHD) than in subjects with no familial history of early cardiac death (Zureik et al. 1999).

The Woman's Encyclopedia of Natural Healing Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts

The effectiveness of the treatment is seen as one-third attributable to A and two-thirds attributable to the iron supplementation. D. Suharno et al., "Supplementation with Vitamin A and Iron for Nutritional Anemia in Pregnant Women in West Java, Indonesia," Lancet 342 (November 27, 1993): 1325-28. It's important that your iron supplementation be supervised by a doctor. Excess iron has been linked to cancer and to damage of the liver, heart, and pancreas, as well as to lymphocyte activity. J. F. Balch and P. A. Balch, Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing (Garden City Park, N.Y.

Disease Prevention and Treatment The Life Extension Editorial Staff See book keywords and concepts

Regular blood tests to assess ferritin and, when indicated, sTfR will assist your physician in determining whether you need iron supplementation. Other Nutritional Approaches Anemia and associated diseases compromise the oxygen-transport capabilities of red blood cells and the normal immune function of both red and white blood cells due to increased adhesion, reduction, or malfunction. Scientific study strongly suggests that trace minerals may act as an adjunctive preventive therapy to reduce the effect of anemia on normal blood cell function.

Natural Prescriptions: Dr. Giller's Natural Treatments & Vitamin Therapies For Over 100 Common Ailments Robert M. Giller, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Iron supplementation can help relieve symptoms of iron deficiency anemia such as tiredness as well as the cause of the anemia itself. Make sure that your doctor tests your blood to determine if you are anemic. If you are, take a daily dose of elemental iron with meals. Be aware that iron supplementation can cause dark bowel movements and/or constipation. You should also take a zinc supplement because low levels of zinc have also been shown to contribute to heavy periods. Some of my patients tell me that when they take either aspirin or vitamin E, they bruise easily.

page 2 of 5 | Next ->

FAIR USE NOTICE: The research quoted here is provided under the protection of Fair Use provisions and published by the 501(c)3 non-profit Consumer Wellness Center for the purposes of public comment and education. Authors / publishers may submit books for consideration of inclusion here.

TERMS OF USE: Read full terms of use. Citations of text from NaturalPedia must include: 1) Full credit to the original author and book title. 2) Secondary credit to the Natural News Naturalpedia as a research resource and a link to www.NaturalNews.com/np/index.html

This unique compilation of research is copyright (c) 2008 by the non-profit Consumer Wellness Center.

ABOUT THE CREATOR OF NATURALPEDIA: Mike Adams, the creator of this NaturalNews Naturalpedia, is the editor of NaturalNews.com, the internet's top natural health news site, creator of the Honest Food Guide (www.HonestFoodGuide.org), a free downloadable consumer food guide based on natural health principles, author of Grocery Warning, The 7 Laws of Nutrition, Natural Health Solutions, and many other books available at www.TruthPublishing.com, creator of the earth-friendly EcoLEDs company (www.EcoLEDs.com) that manufactures energy-efficient LED lighting products, founder of Arial Software (www.ArialSoftware.com), a permission e-mail technology company, creator of the CounterThink Cartoon series (www.NaturalNews.com/index-cartoons.html) and author of over 1,500 articles, interviews, special reports and reference guides available at www.NaturalNews.com. Adams' personal philosophy and health statistics are available at www.HealthRanger.org.