From the Research
Iron supplements can potentially lead to a higher heart rate in some individuals, though this is not a common side effect, and the relationship between iron and heart rate is complex, with severe iron deficiency causing tachycardia and excessive iron potentially affecting heart rhythm. If you experience an increased heart rate after taking iron supplements, you should consult your healthcare provider. Iron supplements like ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous fumarate are typically taken to correct iron deficiency, which itself can cause heart palpitations and increased heart rate. The recommended dosage varies based on the severity of deficiency, but typically ranges from 60-200 mg of elemental iron daily, with a study suggesting that providing morning doses of 60-120 mg iron as a ferrous salt given with ascorbic acid on alternate days may be an optimal oral dosing regimen for women with iron-deficiency and mild IDA 1. These supplements are best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach with vitamin C, though they may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Iron supplements can cause side effects including constipation, nausea, and black stools.
Key Considerations
- The relationship between iron and heart rate is complex, with severe iron deficiency causing tachycardia and excessive iron potentially affecting heart rhythm 2.
- Iron supplements can cause side effects, and the dosage and administration schedule can impact absorption and reduce side effects 3.
- The optimal dosing regimen for iron supplements may involve alternate-day schedules and morning single doses to maximize fractional iron absorption and reduce side effects 1, 3.
- Iron deficiency itself can cause heart palpitations and increased heart rate, and correcting the deficiency with supplements can help alleviate these symptoms.
Recommendations
- If you experience an increased heart rate after taking iron supplements, consult your healthcare provider.
- Iron supplements should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider, with typical dosages ranging from 60-200 mg of elemental iron daily.
- Providing morning doses of 60-120 mg iron as a ferrous salt given with ascorbic acid on alternate days may be an optimal oral dosing regimen for women with iron-deficiency and mild IDA 1.