MegaFood Blood Builder iron

Iron helps the body make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in red blood cells. Low iron may cause tiredness, reduced exercise tolerance, headaches, pale skin, hair shedding, or restless legs, although these symptoms have other possible causes. A blood test can help distinguish iron deficiency from other reasons for fatigue.

A branded product can contain iron alongside other ingredients, so read the full label and check the amount of elemental iron with a pharmacist or clinician. More is not automatically better: excess iron can cause constipation, nausea, stomach pain, and toxicity. Iron can also interact with some medicines and reduce absorption of certain treatments.

Ask whether you need an iron supplement, which formulation fits you, and when to repeat blood tests. Follow the label or prescription rather than combining several iron products. Keep iron away from children, as accidental ingestion can be dangerous. Tell the clinician about heavy periods, recent birth, digestive symptoms, kidney or liver conditions, and all supplements.

Iron therapy may be recommended when tablets are unsuitable, poorly absorbed, or insufficient for the clinical situation. During pregnancy, discuss every supplement with the antenatal care team so the plan reflects your blood results and nutritional needs. Darker stools can occur with oral iron, but severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, or an allergic reaction needs advice.

Seek urgent help after an accidental large ingestion, or for severe vomiting, intense abdominal pain, collapse, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or black stools that are sticky or accompanied by weakness. Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, chest discomfort, or heavy bleeding also needs medical assessment rather than self-treatment.

Do my blood results show iron deficiency? Which dose and formulation should I use? How should I manage constipation or nausea? Could my medicines interact? What is causing the iron loss, and when should my blood be checked again?