Fatigue Headache Irritability Hair loss Brittle fingernails Shortness of breath

Iron is not absorbed as well when taken with calcium or calcium-containing foods like dairy, or with foods high in oxalates (such as spinach, kale, beets, rhubarb, chocolate, nuts, and wheat bran). [4] X Expert Source Find BC DietitiansRegistered Dietitians Group Expert Interview. 22 October 2020. Timing your iron intake with other foods will maximize the boost to your ferritin levels, especially if you are enjoying a vegetarian diet. [5] X Expert Source Find BC DietitiansRegistered Dietitians Group Expert Interview. 22 October 2020.

Target ferritin levels in your blood should be between 30 and 40 ng/mL. Ferritin levels below 20 ng/mL are considered mildly deficient. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source And ferritin levels under 10 ng/mL are considered deficient. Some laboratories use unique procedures that impact the way they report ferritin levels and ranges, so always talk with a health care provider to interpret your results.

Anemia Cancer Kidney disease Hepatitis Gastric ulcers Enzyme disorders

Iron supplements may have a variety of side effects such as backache, chills, dizziness, headache, and nausea. [10] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Because vitamin C enhances iron absorption in the blood, you should take your iron supplement with a glass of orange juice. [11] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source In general, iron from supplements is better absorbed when consumed with a food that contains vitamin C, such as a tomato or another citrus fruit. [12] X Expert Source Find BC DietitiansRegistered Dietitians Group Expert Interview. 22 October 2020. Avoid taking your iron supplement with milk, caffeine, antacids, or calcium supplements, which can reduce the iron absorption. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

Injections or infusions will only be used if other attempts to supplement iron and ferritin levels have failed. Iron injections may have side effects similar to oral supplements.

Ferrous sulfate Ferrous gluconate Ferrous fumarate Carbonyl iron Iron dextran complex[16] X Research source

Beef Lamb Liver Shellfish Eggs[18] X Trustworthy Source Red Cross Blood Donation Services Website run by the Red Cross Organization providing information about how and where to donate blood safely Go to source

Spinach Wheat Oats Nuts Rice (when enriched) Beans[19] X Research source

Red wine Coffee Black and green tea Non-fermented soy[21] X Research source Milk Calcium Magnesium Zinc Copper[22] X Research source