From the Guidelines
To increase serum ferritin levels, iron supplements are the most effective option, particularly ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate taken once daily, as taking iron more than once a day does not improve absorption but increases side effects 1. When choosing an iron supplement, ferrous iron salts such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, and ferrous gluconate are reasonable choices to start with due to their lower cost and equivalent effectiveness compared to other products 1. Some key points to consider when taking iron supplements include:
- Taking iron on an empty stomach with vitamin C (such as orange juice or a 500 mg vitamin C supplement) can enhance absorption 1
- Avoiding consumption of tea, coffee, calcium, dairy, or antacids with iron supplements, as these can reduce absorption 1
- Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing as needed to minimize digestive issues, and considering taking iron with food if necessary despite reduced absorption 1
- Ensuring adequate fiber and water intake to help manage common side effects such as constipation, nausea, and dark stools 1 It is essential to note that if severe side effects occur or if there is no improvement in ferritin levels after 2-3 months, consulting a healthcare provider for further evaluation and potential consideration of injectable iron may be necessary 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DIRECTIONS Adults and children 12 years of age and over: Take one tablet daily, preferably after a meal, or as directed by a physician. PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL - 325 mg Table Bottle Label 69367-166-04 Ferrous Sulfate Enteric-Coated Tablets Iron Supplement 325 mg (5 Grains) 100 Tablets Westminster Pharmaceuticals
To increase serum ferritin levels, you can take ferrous sulfate supplements. The recommended dosage for adults and children 12 years of age and over is one tablet daily, preferably after a meal, or as directed by a physician 2 2.
- Key points:
- Take one tablet daily
- Preferably after a meal
- Do not chew or crush tablet
- Consult a physician for children under 12 years of age
From the Research
Supplements to Increase Serum Ferritin Levels
To increase serum ferritin levels, several supplements can be considered:
- Iron supplements: Iron is essential for increasing ferritin levels, and various forms of iron supplements are available, including ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, and carbonyl iron 3.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, and taking it with iron supplements may help increase ferritin levels 4, 5.
- Ascorbic acid: Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, can increase iron absorption, and taking 80mg of ascorbic acid with iron supplements can increase fractional iron absorption by 30% 4.
Forms of Iron Supplements
Different forms of iron supplements are available, including:
- Ferrous sulfate: This is a commonly used iron supplement, and its efficacy in increasing ferritin levels has been demonstrated in several studies 6, 7.
- Ferrous gluconate: This is another form of iron supplement that can help increase ferritin levels.
- Carbonyl iron: This is a highly absorbable form of iron that has been shown to be effective in treating iron deficiency anemia 3.
- Intravenous iron: Intravenous iron supplements, such as iron sucrose and ferric carboxymaltose, can also be used to increase ferritin levels, especially in cases where oral iron supplements are not effective or tolerated 6, 7.
Considerations for Taking Iron Supplements
When taking iron supplements to increase ferritin levels, consider the following:
- Take iron supplements in the morning, away from meals and coffee, to maximize absorption 4.
- Take iron supplements with a source of vitamin C, such as orange juice, to enhance absorption 4.
- Avoid taking iron supplements with coffee or tea, as they can inhibit iron absorption 4.
- Monitor ferritin levels regularly to assess the effectiveness of the supplements and adjust the dosage as needed.