Do males need iron supplements?
The normal hemoglobin range is 13.5-17.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter of blood for men. On average, a man only needs to consume 10 mg of iron a day to maintain healthy levels. Men tend to store more iron in their bodies than women, which is why iron deficiency is rare in men.
How much iron supplement should a man take?
The amount of iron you need is: 8.7mg a day for men over 18. 14.8mg a day for women aged 19 to 50. 8.7mg a day for women over 50.
Why you shouldn't take an iron supplement?
Iron supplements can cause side effects, usually stomach upset such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark stools, or constipation. Pregnant women are especially susceptible to constipation.
How do I know if I need an iron supplement?
You should take an iron supplement only if your doctor confirms that you have an iron deficiency — or are at risk for one — and can't meet your needs through diet alone. Keep in mind that taking iron supplements may cause side effects, including: stomach pain. constipation or diarrhea.
Why would a man have low iron?
There are many things that can lead to a lack of iron in the body. In men and post-menopausal women, the most common cause is bleeding in the stomach and intestines. This can be caused by a stomach ulcer, stomach cancer, bowel cancer, or by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
What are the 3 stages of iron deficiency?
3 Stages of Iron DeficiencyStage 1: Diminished total-body iron content. This stage is identified by a reduction in serum ferritin. ... Stage 2: Reduced red blood cell formation. This stage occurs when the iron supply is insufficient to support the formation of red blood cells. ... Stage 3: Iron deficiency anemia.
Is 65 mg of iron a day too much?
According to the Institute of Medicine, most adults can consume up to 45 milligrams of elemental iron daily without toxicity occurring. Your health care provider may recommend a higher dosage, such as 50 to 60 milligrams of iron, to treat iron-deficiency anemia, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.
How many 65 mg iron pills should I take a day?
Although the traditional dosage of ferrous sulfate is 325 mg (65 mg of elemental iron) orally three times a day, lower doses (eg, 15-20 mg of elemental iron daily) may be as effective and cause fewer side effects.
How much iron pills can you take a day?
For the U.S. Adult and teenage males—10 milligrams (mg) per day. Adult and teenage females—10 to 15 mg per day. Pregnant females—30 mg per day.
How much iron per day is too much?
Strict vegetarians may need to take in higher levels of iron. At high doses, iron is toxic. For adults and children ages 14 and up, the upper limit -- the highest dose that can be taken safely -- is 45 mg a day. Children under age 14 should not take more than 40 mg a day.