Is 18 mg of iron a lot?
The USDA recommends that women between the ages of 19 and 50 get 18 mg of iron a day, while women ages 51 and older and men 19 years and beyond need 8 mg a day.
Is 18 mg of iron enough for anemia?
The recommended dietary allowance is 8 mg per day in men, 18 mg per day in women ages 19 to 50, 8 mg per day in women ages 51 and older, 27 mg/day in women who are pregnant, and 9 mg per day in women ages 18 and older who are lactating.
How many mg should an iron supplement be?
For the U.S. Adult and teenage males—10 milligrams (mg) per day. Adult and teenage females—10 to 15 mg per day. Pregnant females—30 mg per day.
Is 20 mg of iron too much?
Single doses as low as 10–20 mg/kg may cause adverse symptoms. Doses higher than 40 mg/kg require medical attention ( 9 ). Similarly, repeated high-dose iron supplementation may cause serious problems. Make sure to follow the instructions on iron supplements, and never take more than your doctor recommends.
How can I get 18 mg iron a day?
Good food sources of nonheme iron include fortified cereals, beans, lentils, tofu, spinach, dried fruits (apricots, prunes, raisins), prune juice, enriched breads, broccoli and nuts.
How much iron should I take if I am anemic?
For the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults, 100 to 200 mg of elemental iron per day has been recommended. The best way to take the supplement so that you absorb the greatest amount of iron is to take it in two or more doses during the day. However, extended-release iron products may be taken once a day.
How many mg of iron is too much?
At high doses, iron is toxic. For adults and children ages 14 and up, the upper limit — the highest dose that can be taken safely — is 45 mg a day. Children under age 14 should not take more than 40 mg a day.
Should I take iron in the morning or at night?
Iron supplements, used to treat or reduce the risk of anaemia, are best taken in the morning, an hour or so before breakfast, as they are most effective when taken on an empty stomach. That is because foods such as tea, coffee and milk generally inhibit the absorption of iron.
What are the dangers of taking iron supplements?
In healthy people, taking high doses of iron supplements (especially on an empty stomach) can cause an upset stomach, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Large amounts of iron might also cause more serious effects, including inflammation of the stomach lining and ulcers.