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The Pros and Cons of Oral Iron Supplements
Regular oral iron supplements, like ferrous sulfate, typically contain 325 milligrams of elemental iron. However, about 10% of patients may experience constipation from these supplements. To mitigate this, the dosing has been reduced to once a day or every other day. In severe cases, oral iron may not be able to normalize iron levels and IV iron may be recommended. Access to IV iron can be difficult in some healthcare settings. It's important to note that oral iron supplementation takes months to show improvement and may not work if there are absorption or bleeding issues. Patients can advocate for IV iron if they experience constipation or vomiting from oral iron, but insurance often requires them to try oral iron first.