Our bodies absorb iron better if we take any supplements in combination with vitamin C.
This is why medical advisors suggest that if you are taking iron pills, to drink them with fruit juice.
Choose a juice that naturally contains vitamin C and check the packaging if you are not squeezing the oranges yourself, is the advice of the Hessen Pharmacy Chamber in Germany.
Don’t take iron tablets with drinks such as coke, mineral water, tea, coffee or milk, as these can slow your body’s absorption of iron.
Likewise, avoid taking your iron tablets with a meal.
Ideally, take the supplement one hour to half-an-hour before eating, or two hours afterwards.
If you are wondering whether you may need iron tablets, the symptoms of iron deficiency include learning and concentration disorders, chronic fatigue, hair loss, a cracked mouth or a burning tongue.
Your doctor can carry out a blood test to see whether your iron levels need a boost or not.
If pregnant women, competitive athletes and dialysis patients have even a very slight iron deficiency, they are advised to take supplements.
Others should try and increase the iron content of their diet to address any minor deficiency by eating meat, green vegetables or legumes.
Iron supplements are recommended in the case of a severe deficiency. – dpa
