Ferrous gluconate is an iron supplement used to treat iron deficiency anemia or prevent low levels of iron in the blood. The latter reason is often a result of pregnancy. Iron is a critical component in delivering oxygen to various bodily tissues, muscles, and organs. Ferrous (iron) gluconate is the product of iron salt from gluconic acid.
Why Does the Blood Need Iron?
Normally, iron is taken in the body through the foods we eat, such as red meats, beans, liver, iron-fortified whole grains and cereals, tofu, some vegetables, chicken, nuts and dried fruits. Without iron, oxygen delivery in the blood would be insufficient because iron helps in the formation of hemoglobin. Transportation of oxygen is dependent on new red blood cells that contain hemoglobin. Hemoglobin transports oxygen to the body’s cells, tissues and organs; iron is also a part of myoglobin, which helps muscles store oxygen. Consequently, oxygen and iron have a strong attraction to each other, causing the scarlet red color of iron-rich blood, and the dark red color of oxygen-poor blood. System failure would result if the body does not receive adequate amounts of iron. If enough iron is not taken in through the diet, it is imperative to receive an iron supplement. Often times, if a person truly has iron-deficiency anemia, an over-the-counter supplement will not suffice, and a prescription of iron (a.k.a. ferrous gluconate) needs to be prescribed by a doctor.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are easy to pinpoint. Additionally, an easy finger-prick blood test can be done to confirm the assumption. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, depression, pale skin, irritability, dizziness, weakness, and decreased appetite. Not all of these are always experienced in an individual, especially if the anemia is mild.
Dosage and Proper Consumption of Ferrous Gluconate
Always take the iron supplement as directed by the doctor, and follow all directions on the bottle or package. It is best taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. Take the iron with a full glass of water; if upset stomach occurs, take it with a few crackers or a small meal. Certain items will decrease the iron’s effectiveness, such as antacids, tea, dairy products, and coffee, so avoid consuming these within 2 hours before or after taking the medication. Always swallow the tablet whole, unless otherwise directed by a doctor. If it is the chewable form, chew it thoroughly before swallowing. The liquid form of this medication requires thorough measuring. Also don’t lie down 30 minutes after taking this pill.
Do Not Use Ferrous Gluconate If…
In any case, a consultation with a doctor is the only option in taking ferrous gluconate as an iron supplement. Because overdose can be harmful, seek medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Also, keep out of reach of children under the age of 6 because if ingested, the medicine can be lethal to them.
Drug and Food Interactions
Sometimes, when two or more drugs are taken at the same time, one drug can be increased or decreased in its effectiveness. This is the case with some medicines in combination with iron supplements.
Side Effects
Sometimes side effects can occur in people taking an iron supplement such as ferrous gluconate. The scale of seriousness ranges from very minimal to very serious.
If the side effects become serious, seek medical attention or call your doctor.
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