Ferrous Fumarate Explained: Boosting Your Iron and Well-being
Feeling tired all the time? Finding it hard to concentrate? You might be one of the many people experiencing low iron levels. Iron is a vital mineral that plays a crucial role in your body’s energy production, oxygen transport, and overall vitality. When your iron stores dip, ferrous fumarate is a common and effective supplement recommended to help restore them.
At My Pharmacy, we understand the importance of well-being, which is why we’re diving deep into everything you need to know about ferrous fumarate. Whether you’re considering taking it or just want to learn more, this guide, based on your most pressing questions, will help.
Understanding Ferrous Fumarate: The Basics
Let’s start with what ferrous fumarate is and how it helps.
What do ferrous fumarate tablets do?
Ferrous fumarate tablets are a type of iron supplement. They work by providing your body with the iron it needs to produce haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body. If you don’t have enough iron, your body can’t make enough healthy red blood cells, leading to iron deficiency anaemia. These tablets help to treat or prevent this condition.
Which is better, ferrous sulfate or fumarate?
Both ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate are effective forms of iron used to treat iron deficiency. Ferrous fumarate contains a higher percentage of elemental iron per tablet (about 33%) compared to ferrous sulfate (about 20%).
This means you might be able to take a smaller tablet or fewer doses of ferrous fumarate to get the same amount of iron. Some people also find one form is gentler on their stomach than the other. Your doctor or pharmacist can help decide which is best for you.
How quickly does ferrous fumarate work?
You might start to feel some improvement in symptoms like fatigue within a week or two of starting ferrous fumarate, but this can vary. It often depends on how low your iron levels were to begin with.
How long does it take to get iron levels up?
While some symptoms may improve relatively quickly, it typically takes several weeks to months of consistent supplementation to replenish your body’s iron stores fully and see a significant increase in your iron levels (as measured by blood tests). Your doctor will usually monitor your progress.
Taking Ferrous Fumarate Correctly
To get the most out of your supplement and minimise side effects, it’s important to take it correctly.
When is the best time to take ferrous fumarate?
Generally, iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, for example, about an hour before or two hours after meals. However, if it causes stomach upset, you can take it with a small amount of food. Vitamin C can help increase iron absorption, so taking it with a glass of orange juice can be beneficial.
Why can’t you lie down after taking ferrous fumarate?
It’s often recommended to remain upright for at least 30 minutes (and sometimes longer for certain formulations or if you have oesophageal issues) after taking iron tablets. This helps prevent the tablet from irritating your oesophagus (the tube connecting your mouth and stomach) or causing heartburn.
How long can you stay on ferrous fumarate?
The duration you’ll need to take ferrous fumarate depends on the reason you’re taking it and how severe your iron deficiency is. For treating deficiency, a course might last for 3-6 months to replenish iron stores. For prevention, or in certain conditions, it might be longer. Always follow your doctor’s advice on the duration of treatment.
Is 210mg of iron a lot?
A dose of 210mg refers to the amount of ferrous fumarate, not the amount of elemental iron. Ferrous fumarate 210mg tablets typically provide about 65-70 mg of elemental iron, which is a common therapeutic dose for treating iron deficiency in adults. However, whether this is “a lot” depends on your individual needs, current iron levels, and your doctor’s recommendation. Never exceed the prescribed dose.
Potential Side Effects & Management
Like all medicines, ferrous fumarate can have side effects, though not everyone gets them.
What are the side effects of ferrous fumarate?
Common side effects include:
- Constipation (very common)
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Dark or black stools (this is normal and harmless)
- Heartburn
Taking the tablets with food can sometimes help reduce stomach-related side effects, but this may also slightly reduce absorption.
Does black poop mean iron tablets are working?
Yes, dark or black stools are a very common and expected side effect when taking iron supplements like ferrous fumarate. It’s generally a sign that the iron is being processed by your body and is not usually a cause for concern. However, if you also have stomach pain, or your stools are tarry (not just dark) or have red streaks, consult your doctor. Greenish stools can also sometimes occur.
Does ferrous fumarate cause weight gain?
Ferrous fumarate itself is not directly linked to causing weight gain. However, if iron deficiency has caused fatigue and reduced activity levels, feeling better and having more energy after treatment might lead to changes in appetite or activity that could indirectly affect weight. There’s no direct causal link.
Interactions: What to Avoid & Combine Carefully
Certain foods, drinks, and medications can affect how well ferrous fumarate works or increase the risk of side effects.
What to avoid when taking ferrous fumarate?
To maximise absorption, avoid taking ferrous fumarate at the same time as:
- Calcium-rich foods and supplements: Milk, cheese, yoghurt, antacids.
- Tannin-containing drinks: Tea (especially black tea), coffee.
- High-fibre foods: Wholegrain cereals, bran.
- Eggs.
It’s best to leave a gap of at least 1-2 hours between taking iron and consuming these.
How long after taking iron can you drink coffee?
It’s advisable to wait at least 1-2 hours after taking your iron supplement before drinking coffee (or tea). The tannins in coffee can significantly reduce iron absorption.
What medications cannot be taken with iron?
Iron can interact with several medications, reducing their effectiveness or its own. These include:
- Antacids: Separate doses by at least 2 hours.
- Tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline): Iron can reduce their absorption.
- Quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin): Similar to tetracyclines.
- Levothyroxine (thyroid hormone): Iron can reduce its absorption.
- Bisphosphonates (for osteoporosis).
- Parkinson’s medications like levodopa.
Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you are taking.
Can I take paracetamol with ferrous fumarate?
Yes, it is generally safe to take paracetamol with ferrous fumarate. There are no known significant interactions between the two. However, if you have any concerns, always check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Can I drink alcohol with ferrous fumarate?
While moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to directly interfere with ferrous fumarate, alcohol can irritate the stomach lining. As iron tablets can also cause stomach upset, combining them might increase this risk for some individuals. It’s best to discuss this with your doctor, especially if you have a sensitive stomach or consume alcohol regularly.
What vitamin should you not mix with iron?
The main concern is calcium, which isn’t a vitamin but a mineral. Calcium can significantly interfere with iron absorption. While not a case of “not mixing,” high doses of zinc taken at the same time might also compete with iron for absorption. Vitamin E absorption might be reduced by high iron doses.
Can I take iron and vitamin D together?
Yes, generally you can take iron and vitamin D supplements at the same time. There are no major known interactions that would prevent them from being taken together. In fact, some multivitamin formulations include both.
Knowing It’s Working & Signs of Low Iron
How do you know if your iron levels are improving and what are the tell-tale signs of deficiency?
How to know if iron pills are working?
You might start to feel less tired and have more energy. Other symptoms of anaemia, like shortness of breath or pale skin, may also improve. The most definitive way to know if iron pills are working is through follow-up blood tests ordered by your doctor, which will show an increase in your haemoglobin and ferritin (iron storage) levels.
What are the symptoms of low iron/low red blood cells?
Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can vary but often include:
- Fatigue and lack of energy (most common)
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
- Heart palpitations or a noticeable heartbeat
- Headaches and dizziness
- Sore tongue or difficulty swallowing
- Brittle nails or hair loss
- Cold hands and feet
- Cravings for non-food items (pica), like ice or dirt (less common)
- Poor concentration
Does ferrous fumarate give you energy?
Indirectly, yes. If your low energy and fatigue are due to iron deficiency anaemia, then correcting this deficiency with ferrous fumarate will help restore normal energy levels as your body becomes better able to transport oxygen.
Iron Beyond Supplements: Diet & Lifestyle
Supplements are helpful, but a balanced diet is also key.
What food is highest in iron?
There are two types of dietary iron: haem (from animal sources, more easily absorbed) and non-haem (from plant sources).
- Haem iron: Red meat (beef, lamb), liver, poultry, fish (especially shellfish like oysters and mussels).
- Non-haem iron: Fortified breakfast cereals, beans and lentils, tofu, spinach and other dark leafy greens, dried apricots, baked potatoes, pumpkin seeds.
Consuming vitamin C-rich foods (like citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes) with non-haem iron sources can boost absorption.
What drink has the most iron?
Generally, drinks are not significant sources of iron. Some prune juices or fortified drinks might contain some, but whole foods are much better sources. It’s more about what drinks to avoid with iron (like tea and coffee) or what can help absorption (like orange juice for its vitamin C).
How can I raise my iron levels quickly?
For a significant deficiency, oral iron supplements like ferrous fumarate are usually the quickest way under medical guidance. Combining this with an iron-rich diet, including foods high in vitamin C to aid absorption, will be most effective. In very severe cases, a doctor might consider intravenous (IV) iron.
What hot drinks are good for anemia? / What tea is good for iron deficiency?
Most traditional teas (black, green, oolong) contain tannins that inhibit iron absorption, so they are not recommended around the time you take iron or eat iron-rich meals.
Herbal teas that don’t contain tannins, like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea, are generally fine. Some people find nettle tea beneficial, as nettles contain some iron and vitamin C, but consult your doctor. Fruit-based hot drinks could also be an option.
Other Potential Benefits & Related Questions
Iron plays a role in many bodily functions.
Does iron help with hair growth?
Iron deficiency is a known cause of hair loss (telogen effluvium). If hair loss is linked to low iron, then correcting the deficiency with supplements like ferrous fumarate can help improve hair growth and reduce shedding.
Can iron improve skin?
Iron deficiency can lead to pale, sallow skin. Restoring iron levels can help improve skin tone and radiance, contributing to a healthier complexion.
Does iron make you sleep more/better?
Iron deficiency, particularly if it causes Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), can severely disrupt sleep. Treating the deficiency can alleviate RLS symptoms and improve sleep quality. While it might not make you “sleep more” if you were already getting enough hours, it can certainly lead to more restful and restorative sleep.
How much sleep does an anemic person need?
An anaemic person generally needs the same amount of quality sleep as anyone else (typically 7-9 hours for adults). However, the profound fatigue from anaemia might make them feel like they need more sleep, or they may sleep more but still not feel rested. Addressing anaemia is key to improving energy and sleep quality.
Does iron deficiency cause belly fat?
There’s no direct scientific evidence to suggest that iron deficiency causes belly fat. However, the fatigue and reduced metabolic function associated with severe iron deficiency could lead to a more sedentary lifestyle and potentially contribute to overall weight gain, which might include abdominal fat.
Is folic acid and iron tablets the same thing?
No, they are different, though sometimes prescribed together, especially during pregnancy. Iron is a mineral essential for haemoglobin production. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is a vitamin crucial for cell division and DNA formation, also important for producing healthy red blood cells. A deficiency in either can lead to anaemia, but they address different nutritional needs.
When to See Your Doctor
While ferrous fumarate is available to help manage iron levels, it’s crucial to understand why your iron might be low. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new supplement, especially if:
- You suspect you have iron deficiency.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You have any underlying medical conditions.
- You are taking other medications.
They can confirm if ferrous fumarate is right for you, advise on the correct dosage, and monitor your progress.
Explore our range of vitamins and well-being products, including iron supplements, at My Pharmacy to support your health journey.
Disclaimer: This blog article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Product availability may vary.
Ferrous Fumarate 210mg – 84 Tablets
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. Iron helps the body to make healthy red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body.
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