Taking iron for one week can increase the bone marrow hematopoietic ability, but generally cannot improve the symptoms of anemia yet, should be taken according to the doctor’s instructions.
General iron deficiency anemia requires iron supplementation therapy, preferred oral iron, inorganic iron and organic iron, the former, such as ferrous sulfate, the latter includes iron dextrose, ferrous gluconate, ferrous succinate, etc., organic iron adverse reactions are lighter than inorganic iron.
Oral iron is often taken after meals, when the gastrointestinal tract reaction is small and easy to tolerate, while attention should be paid to avoid eating cereals, dairy and tea, which may inhibit the absorption of iron; fish, meat and vitamin C will promote the absorption of iron.
Oral iron 5~10 days later, is the peripheral blood reticulocytes (reflecting the bone marrow erythropoietic function) increase in the peak, 2 weeks after the visible hemoglobin (Hb) rise, at this time the anemia can be seen to improve the performance of the general Hb in the taking of iron 2 months after the return to normal.
The treatment of iron deficiency anemia requires replenishing the body’s iron stores, so oral iron therapy should be continued until 4-6 months after Hb returns to normal.
Patients with iron deficiency anemia should take iron therapy under the guidance of a medical professional.