A&E Doctor Warns About Risks of Taking Iron Supplements
A health expert warns that taking iron supplements incorrectly can harm your health
Iron Supplements, Health Risks, Dr Suraj Kukadia, Iron Deficiency, UK
London: A health expert is raising concerns about iron supplements. Dr. Suraj Kukadia, known as Dr. Sooj online, says taking them the wrong way can mess with your health.
Iron is super important for our bodies. It helps make red blood cells and keeps our immune system strong. But not everyone gets enough iron from their diet.
Some folks struggle to absorb iron, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia. This can make you feel really tired, dizzy, or even give you heart palpitations. Dr. Sooj shared more about this on TikTok.
He said, “If you’re taking iron supplements, you should probably watch this video.” He explained that iron deficiency anemia can take months or years to develop, and it’s not just about feeling tired.
Dr. Sooj pointed out that there’s a difference between having low iron and having iron deficiency anemia. Low iron usually comes from not eating enough iron-rich foods.
For those with true iron deficiency, he often prescribes at least 200 milligrams of iron daily. He also warned against taking iron with milk or dairy products. “It’s best to take iron with vitamin C, like orange juice,” he said.
This is because dairy can block iron absorption. The NHS advises taking iron tablets with water or juice, not milk, to ensure your body gets the iron it needs.
Medline Plus also suggests waiting two hours after having milk or calcium before taking iron supplements. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, but it can upset some people’s stomachs, so a little food might help.
Signs of iron deficiency anemia include tiredness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. If you notice these symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before starting any iron supplements.