Thomas Bartram
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 Elderly people who complain of restless legs in bed at night can benefit from iron supplements but their condition needs to be investigated for any underlying cause of iron depletion.
RETENTION OF URINE A condition in which the bladder is distended with urine but expulsion is obstructed. Differs from suppression in which the kidneys fail to produce urine. Inability to urinate. In retention urine is secreted by the kidneys but is held up in the bladder due to a number of causes.
In men, a common cause is enlargement of the prostate gland or stricture (narrowing of the urethra). |
| Deep hollows under the eyes reveal exhaustion, for which blood and nerve tonics and iron supplements are indicated. Growth problems. Under-developed children respond well to herbal aids: Gentian, Ginseng, Horsetail, Marigold, Oats, German Chamomile, Wood Betony, Kelp, Alfalfa. Supplementation with brewer's yeast, Calcium, Pollen and Zinc yield convincing results.
Hyperactivity. Nerve restoratives for highly-strung children: Teas: Lime flowers, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, B-vitamins. Porridge. Tablets: Passion flower, Valerian, Skullcap. Vitamins B6 and C. Powders: formula. |
Ralph Moss, PhD
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 In fact, iron supplements are not recommended except for people who definitely have iron deficiency anemia. Also, very high doses of vitamin E should not be taken alone without also taking vitamins A and C.
To summarize: People who consume a diet high in vitamin E have lower rates of cancer than those who don't. Conversely, a lower level of vitamin E intake has repeatedly been found to increase the risk of many kinds of cancer, including lung and prostate. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
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 Not many people know this, but a toddler could die from ingesting just a few of these pills. iron supplements are the leading cause of accidental supplement-related poisoning. So be careful with them. In fact, you should store all of your supplements where youngsters can't get them.
While we're on the subject of supplements, be sure that you're getting enough folic acid (also known as folate) and vitamin B12. Deficiencies in either of these nutrients can cause other types of anemia. |
Berkeley Holistic Health Center and Shepherd Bliss
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| Women in the childbearing years may need iron supplements to replace iron lost with menstrual bleeding; pregnant or breastfeeding women need more iron, folic acid, vitamin A, calcium, and calories but most of these can be obtained by properly adjusting the diet. Infants and young children need more vitamins and minerals because they are growing. Elderly or very inactive people usually eat less, and should particularly avoid foods high in calories and low in vitamins and minerals. Persons under inordinant stress or with physical or mental ailments need more protein and calories. |
Gary Null
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 Should you ever take iron supplements, and if so, in what dosages? How can you insure that the iron you eat is properly absorbed for full utilization? What are the symptoms of deficiency? If, on the other hand, you are suffering from an excess of iron, what can you do to detoxify yourself?
If you are healthy, there are about 7 grams of iron in your system.51 Your hemoglobin contains two-thirds of that 7 grams, and a tenth of that amount is found in your myoglobin. The energy enzymes of your cells hold roughly a hundredth of the amount in the hemoglobin. |
Nicola Reavley
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 This disease, once fairly common in Sweden, has been eliminated with the use of iron supplements.
Marginal iron deficiency may also contribute to sleeping difficulties, headaches, rheumatoid arthritis and restless legs syndrome
Low iron levels may increase the risk of menstrual difficulties including behavioral changes and sweating and dizziness, decreased efficiency, poor performance at work and daytime napping. Iron deficiency can also adversely affect the heart. Iron-deficient people have abnormal electrocardiogram readings. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades
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 Recommendation: Except to correct deficiency, don't take extra iron supplements during pregnancy.
-Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)-
What is it?
Menstrual cycling in women results from a complex interplay of reproductive hormones that surge and ebb at various points during the course of an approximately lunar month (28 days). Many women pass through cycle after cycle, blissfully unaware of the rising and falling of these hormones except during the specific several days of bleeding. |
Nicola Reavley
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| Anemia
Riboflavin supplements may be of benefit in the treatment of sickle cell anemia and may also enhance the effectiveness of iron supplements when these are used to treat anemia.
Migraine
High doses of riboflavin may be effective in the treatment of migraine. In a 1998 study done in Belgium, researchers tested the effects of either 400 mg of riboflavin or a placebo on 55 patients with migraine in a randomized trial lasting three months. The results showed reductions in attack frequency and headache days. |
| If these lifestyle measures are difficult, it is advisable to take iron supplements.
In cases of iron deficiency anemia (serum ferritin less than 10 to 12 meg per liter) supplements are necessary and should correct anemia within two months. However, they may need to be taken for at least six months until iron stores are replenished. (See page 257 for more information. |
| Vegetarians may also benefit from iron supplements as they avoid easily absorbed iron sources such as meat and seafood. In addition, there are compounds in plant fiber which lead to reduced iron absorption. However, increased vitamin C may compensate.
Toxic effects of excess intake
Large doses of iron can cause deterioration of the gut lining, vomiting and diarrhea, liver damage, abdominal and joint pain, weight loss, fatigue, excess thirst and hunger. Immediate medical attention is necessary. |
Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon
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 INSTRUCTIONS
Generally, calcium supplements should be taken with meals for best absorption, but not with iron supplements. Calcium carbonate may be constipating in some people, but other calcium salts are less likely to cause this problem.
INTERACTION
Calcium salts have been used in some cases of verapamil overdose or toxicity to reduce the effects of this calcium channel blocker. It is not clear if daily doses of calcium will modify the effectiveness of verapamil.
Tell your doctor if you plan to start or stop calcium supplements so that your clinical response can be monitored. |
| It should not be taken together with iron supplements, which reduce absorption.
Never take or stop medication without your doctor's advice.
INTERACTION TROUBLESOME
Anticoagulant
Tuberculosis Drug
(WARFARIN) 1
•* (RIFAMPIN)
BRAND NAME GENERIC NAME
Coumadin warfarin
DESCRIPTION
Warfarin slows the liver's production of factors essential for the formation of blood clots. It is prescribed when there is a risk that a dangerous clot could form in a deep vein or a blood vessel leading to the lung, heart, or brain. The most serious complication of anticoagulant treatment is excessive bleeding. |
| Do not take these drugs with antacids, calcium or iron supplements, or dairy products because they could interfere with absorption. Never take outdated tetracycline, which may be toxic to the kidneys.
INTERACTION
Tetracycline antibiotics appear capable of increasing warfarin's effects in some people. Prothrombin (clotting) time should be tested frequently when a tetracycline is started or stopped, and the dosage of warfarin adjusted accordingly; otherwise, this interaction could lead to dangerous bleeding. Symptoms of Warfarin Overdose
There may be no early warning signs of danger. |
| Do not take these drugs with antacids, calcium or iron supplements, or dairy products. Never take outdated tetracycline, which may be toxic to the kidneys.
INTERACTION
This strange interaction affects only a small portion of those who take the heart medicine digoxin. No one knows why one in ten people depends on bacteria in their digestive tracts to help eliminate this heart medicine. If bacteria in the gut are killed off by tetracycline antibiotics, digoxin levels can climb, possibly to toxic levels. |
| INSTRUCTIONS
Generally, calcium supplements should be taken with meals for best absorption, but not with iron supplements. Calcium carbonate maybe constipating in some people, but other calcium salts are less likely to cause this problem.
INTERACTIO
Thiazide diuretics such as those listed on this page conserve calcium by modifying the way the kidneys eliminate this mineral. This action might be beneficial against osteoporosis and fractures. A problem may arise, however, if someone also took large amounts of calcium and vitamin D. |
Velma J. Keith and Monteen Gordon
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| Ferric iron, a form used in many iron supplements, is like rust; it is not assimilated by the body. Both Ferric and Ferrous iron, the types that are usually put in iron enriched foods, can be deposited in the liver and can cause constipation.
Enemies-Phosphate food additives. E.D.T.A.-a food preservative, Tannic acid in tea, and coffee. |
Gary Null
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 Daily iron supplements are also recommended.
Magnesium_
Magnesium is a versatile, tireless worker in your body's protein production process. In addition, it is one of your body's most important coenzymes. It works with calcium to turn it into something the body can use. It is necessary for the production of hormones, and it works in your muscles, cells, nervous system, digestive system, reproductive system, blood, and immune system. Leafy green vegetables are one of the best sources for magnesium. Nuts, seeds, avocados, and turnips also contain significant amounts. |
Nicola Reavley
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| Side effects can be reduced if the iron supplements are taken in small divided doses with meals. Doses of 25 to 75 mg per day have been taken without side effects, although those with iron overload or kidney disorders might develop symptoms at lower doses.
In most people iron absorption becomes less efficient as blood levels reach optimum and dietary excesses pass out in feces. Accumulation is possible; however, as excesses are not easily excreted once absorbed. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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 Iron: Most iron supplements contain the ferrous form of iron. This form can oxidize tocotrienols, marketed in their unesterified forms, to their pro-oxidant forms if taken concomitantly.
Medium-chain triglycerides: may enhance absorption of tocotrienols if taken concomitantly.
Phytosterols and phytostanols, including beta-sitosterol and beta-sitostanol: may lower plasma tocotrienol levels.
FOOD
Olestra: is likely to inhibit the absorption of tocotrienols. Alpha-tocopherol is the only member of the vitamin E family that is added to olestra. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
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 While unnecessary exposure to iron, including iron supplements, might not increase the risk of heart disease, there is no benefit in supplementing iron in the absence of a diagnosed deficiency. Are There Any Side Effects or Interactions? Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.
Herbs That May Be Helpful
Several herbs have been shown in research to lower lipid levels. Of these, psyllium (p. 452) has the most consistent backing from multiple double-blind studies showing lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.47
Garlic (p. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
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 Ferric iron, as in iron pellets, is not very stable in nature or usable by the body, so iron supplements commonly contain ferrous forms, such as ferrous sulfate. The ferrous salts themselves vary in solubility. Vitamin C can help convert ferric ions to the more usable ferrous ones. Ferrous sulfate is potentially more irritating to the digestive tract than many other forms and may cause irritation, "gripping," and constipation. Other salts, such as ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate, are handled more easily by most people. |
| Sometimes fatigue, especially muscle fatigue and poor physical stamina, will respond to iron supplements. Subtle oxygen-deficit respiratory problems may be helped by attaining adequate iron levels, probably because the iron provides increased hemoglobin production and improved oxygenation of the tissue. There is some question as to whether iron acts as a mild antioxidant, protecting the cells and tissues from oxidative damage, or whether it actually stimulates oxidation and can cause problems. |
| Some women have trouble handling iron supplements; certain formulas may be handled more easily than others (again, see the Iron discussion in Chapter 6, on Minerals). Good animal sources of iron include beef liver, red meats (beef, lamb, and pork), eggs, chicken, and salmon. Vegetable sources are: seaweed, brewer's yeast, molasses, millet, prunes, raisins, mushrooms, chard, spinach, and most nuts, seeds, and legumes.
Zinc is another important mineral that can be deficient in pregnancy and is needed to aid normal development of the immune system in the fetus. |
| Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits or juice, and iron supplements or milk may increase nausea and vomiting. Small, frequent meals and snacks of carbohydrate or protein can be best tolerated. Munching on a few soda crackers or dry toast upon awakening may help alleviate early morning nausea. Don't worry, this too shall pass; and breathing and relaxing also help.
Pregnant women and their husbands and families need to be understanding and adaptable, especially in regard to diet. Food cravings can be wild, food consumption goes up, and sometimes a woman's whole life becomes centered around food. |
| Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and vegetables will ensure that copper requirements are met. iron supplements may be decreased somewhat with use of birth control pills unless the menstrual periods are heavy or there is anemia. Iron needs are probably reduced from the usual 18 mg. to around 12-15 mg per day. All of these values can be checked occasionally by blood biochemistry profiles or evaluation of mineral levels to ensure proper individualized care.
Water
NUTRIENT PROGRAM FOR ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
U/2-2 qt. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik
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| LABORATORY TESTS
Guaic assay: Earlier studies reported a high false positive rate for guaic assay for occult blood in those receiving iron supplements. However, more recent data indicate that iron supplementation has no significant effect on guaic or other tests for occult blood.
OVERDOSAGE
Acute iron overdosage can be divided into four stages. In the first stage, which occurs up to six hours after ingestion, the principal symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms include hypotension, tachycardia and CNS depression ranging from lethargy to coma. |
| Those taking iron supplements should not take gamma-tocopherol concomitantly with the iron.
ADVERSE REACTIONS.
Gamma-tocopherol has only recently been introduced into the nutritional supplement marketplace. No adverse reactions have been reported.
INTERACTIONS
DRUGS
Antiplatelet drugs, such as aspirin, dipyridamole, eptifiba-tide, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, tirofiban and abciximab: High doses of gamma-tocopherol may potentiate the effects of these antiplatelet drugs.
Cholestyramine: may decrease gamma-tocopherol absorption.
Colestipol: may decrease gamma-tocopherol absorption. |
| Iron: Most iron supplements contain the ferrous form of iron. This form can oxidize gamma-tocopherol, which is marketed in a free, unesterified form, to its pro-oxidant form, if taken concomitantly.
Medium-chain triglycerides: may enhance absorption of gamma-tocopherol if taken concomitantly.
Phytosterols and phytostanols, including beta-sitosterol and beta-sitostanol: may lower plasma gamma-tocopherol levels.
Plant phenolic compounds and flavonoids: may participate in redox cycling reactions and help maintain levels of reduced gamma-tocopherol. |
Gary Null
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| Be aware that these conditions have a real possibility of manifesting as a direct result of long-term use of iron supplements, in oral or injected form. As small a dose as 900 milligrams of iron tablets taken at once can be fatal.29 Children who have eaten iron tablets thinking they were candy have actually died.30
There are other conditions that can lead to hemosiderosis and hemochromatosis. |
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