Can Vegetarian Multivitamins Help Individuals With Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency is one of the most challenging deficiencies to correct. If your doctor has instructed you to begin taking iron supplements over the counter to restore the level of iron in your blood, you may want to consider adding a vegetarian multivitamin to your regimen. Learn more about iron supplements and multivitamins today.
 

Can Vegetarian Multivitamins Help Individuals With Iron Deficiency?

In general, most multivitamins will not be formulated with iron, especially supplements that are marketed toward men and older women. This is because men very rarely become iron deficient, and post-menopausal women no longer need iron in higher doses. Even a vegetarian vitamin will usually not include any iron elements, which means taking the multivitamin by itself will not help with iron deficiency. 
 
However, when you combine a multivitamin with an iron supplement, you may be able to help with iron absorption. Multivitamins contain many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that can support the bioavailability of the iron supplement you take. The most important vitamin is vitamin C, which is well-known for its ability to help the body absorb oral iron more efficiently. 

How Much Iron Should You Take Daily for Iron Deficiency?

In general, healthy women between 19 and 20 need at least 18 mg of iron a day, while men only need 8mg. Some of this iron can be absorbed through your food. If you have an iron deficiency, your doctor may recommend taking 65 mg of elemental iron one to three times a day. If you are unable to tolerate this much iron, you may be able to take a low-dose supplement that is equal to 15 mg to 20 mg of elemental iron. 
 
Some doctors may also recommend taking oral iron every other day to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal side effects. No matter what, you should follow your doctor’s recommended dosage, consume iron on an empty stomach, and avoid calcium for at least an hour before and after taking your supplement. 
 

Which Oral Iron Is Best for You?

There are several forms of oral iron you can take to reverse iron deficiency. In general, ferrous iron salts like ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate offer better absorption of elemental iron. Some people respond better to ferrous bis-glycinate, a form of iron that is developed to be easier on the stomach.

For some people, liquid iron may be better for the digestive system. Like low-dose iron supplements, liquid iron can be taken every day. Some research suggests that liquid iron is more easily absorbed by the body through the blood, so the results of liquid iron will improve iron deficiency more quickly. Your doctor can help you determine which type of iron is ideal for your condition. 

While taking a multivitamin by itself will not reverse your iron deficiency, a daily multivitamin can improve the way your body absorbs your iron supplement. In fact, most physicians recommend taking a vitamin that contains vitamin C to improve the effectiveness of your oral iron supplement. Visit Panacea Scientific to buy a multivitamin to help with your iron absorption today.