Gastroenterologist says anyone taking iron supplements should avoid two mistakes

A doctor has issued guidance for anyone taking daily iron supplements. People often take supplements to top up what our bodies are short on, be it hormones, vitamins or minerals that we typically get from food.

A blood test can help medics pinpoint any deficiencies that might be contributing to discomfort. However, the efficacy of your supplements could hinge on several factors, including timing and what you do afterwards.

Dr Saurabh Sethi, with an impressive TikTok following of 485.4k under the username @doctorsethimd, has become popular for his valuable health advice, including recommendations on daily vitamins, foods to avoid for better gut health, and more. Now, he's shared two common mistakes people make when taking iron supplements.

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In the recent clip, Dr Sethi said: "People make these big mistakes while taking iron supplements. I'm a board certified gastroenterologist.

"First, you don't need to take it every day. Studies show that taking it every other day improves absorption and reduces GI side effects."

He added: "Second, don't take it with coffee, tea, or dairy. These can hamper the absorption, making the iron supplements less effective.

"Instead, take it on an empty stomach with orange juice because vitamin C maximizes the absorption of iron."

How much iron do I need?

According to the , the amount of iron you need is:

• 8.7mg a day for men aged 19 and over
• 14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 49
• 8.7mg a day for women aged 50 and over

Women having periods after the age of 50 may need the same amount of iron as women aged 19 to 49. The NHS claims you should be able to get all the iron you need from your daily diet.

Women who lose a lot of blood during their monthly period (heavy periods) are at higher risk of iron deficiency anaemia and may need to take iron supplements.

Speak to a GP or a registered dietitian for more advice.

What happens if I take too much iron?

Side effects of taking high doses (over 20mg) of iron include:

• constipation
• feeling sick
• being sick
• stomach pain

Very high doses of iron can be fatal, particularly if taken by children, so always keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.