Ferrous sulfate (an iron supplement) is a very interesting medicine that does many things in our bodies. It is frequently used to treat iron deficiency, or a lack of iron in our bodies that makes it difficult for us to work as well as we should. Iron is a vital mineral that aids in creating strong red blood cells. These cells transport oxygen through our body. When we don’t get enough iron, we become tired and weak. Ferrous sulfate can make us feel good and strong.
The ferrous sulphate effects are actually so cool! When we swallow it, it helps our bodies produce more red blood cells. That gives us energy and makes us feel awake and alert. super important for growing kids who need energy to play, learn, and grow. Ferrous sulfate also helps to ensure our muscles and brain receive enough oxygen to function properly and consequently to keep us healthy.
It is important to understand how ferrous sulphate heptahydrate works to restore iron levels back to normal. It’s when there’s not enough iron in our bodies, making us feel weak, tired and dizzy. By taking ferrous sulfate we can get our missing iron back and in turn make our bodies feel better. Think of it as a little hormonal push!
So now how do we take ferrous sulfate, for best results? We should take it precisely as our doctor prescribes it. It's typically best to take it on an empty stomach with a glass of water. This makes it so our bodies can absorb it better. We shouldn’t take it with dairy products or antacids, either, as these can interfere with our body’s ability to absorb the iron. And if we have our ferrous sulfate with something like orange juice (which has vitamin C), our bodies can absorb the iron even more effectively!
We should be cautious with potential side effects when we take ferrous sulfate. Occasionally, it can upset the stomach, constipate or darken the stools. If we get any of these side effects, we should talk with our parents or doctor right away. And keep ferrous sulfate out of reach of younger siblings, too, because excess iron can be harmful.
It’s important to compare between the different types of iron supplements, e.g. ferrous sulfate, to try and figure out the best one of us. One of the most readily available iron supplements is ferrous sulfate, which is mostly palatable to most children. Others, such as ferrous gluconate or ferrous fumarate, may be more gentle on our stomachs but also contain less iron. It’s a good idea to call our doctor and ask which iron supplement is right for us then decide based on our needs and health.