From the Guidelines
A 17-year-old should not take ferrous sulfate 325 mg twice a day, as the most recent and highest quality study recommends giving oral iron once a day at most. This recommendation is based on the latest evidence from the AGA clinical practice update on management of iron deficiency anemia, which suggests that taking iron more than once a day does not improve absorption but increases side effects 1.
The dosage of ferrous sulfate 325 mg twice daily provides approximately 65 mg of elemental iron per tablet, meaning a total daily intake of about 130 mg, which falls within therapeutic ranges for treating iron deficiency. However, iron supplements should not be taken without medical supervision as excessive iron can be harmful. Common side effects include constipation, nausea, and black stools. Taking the medication with food can reduce stomach upset, though it may decrease absorption slightly. For better absorption, avoid taking iron with calcium supplements, dairy products, coffee, tea, or antacids.
According to the British Society of Gastroenterology guidelines, the initial treatment of iron deficiency anemia should be with one tablet per day of ferrous sulphate, fumarate or gluconate 1. Additionally, the AGA clinical practice update suggests that certain dietary manipulations may improve iron absorption, such as taking iron with 80 mg ascorbic acid on an empty stomach, and avoiding tea and coffee within an hour after taking iron 1.
The teenager should complete the full prescribed course, which typically continues for 3-6 months after blood counts normalize to replenish iron stores. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to monitor response to treatment and adjust dosing if needed. It is also worth noting that every-other-day iron dosing may be better tolerated for some patients with similar or equal rates of iron absorption as daily dosing, as suggested by the AGA clinical practice update 1.
From the Research
Dosage and Administration
- The recommended dosage of ferrous sulfate for adults is 325 mg per day or on alternate days 2.
- However, there is no specific information available on the recommended dosage of ferrous sulfate for 17-year-old individuals.
- A study comparing the efficacy of different iron preparations in pregnant women used a dosage of 200 mg elemental iron per day, which is equivalent to approximately 325 mg of ferrous sulfate per day 3.
Safety and Efficacy
- Ferrous sulfate is generally considered safe and effective for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults 2, 4.
- A study in pregnant women found that ferrous sulfate was effective in improving hemoglobin concentration and other hematological parameters, with minimal adverse effects 3.
- Another study found that ferrous bisglycinate, a different form of iron, was as effective as ferrous sulfate in preventing iron deficiency and anemia during pregnancy 5.
Considerations for 17-Year-Old Individuals
- There is limited information available on the use of ferrous sulfate in 17-year-old individuals.
- However, based on the available evidence, it is possible that a dosage of 325 mg twice a day may be safe and effective for a 17-year-old individual with iron deficiency anemia, but this should be determined by a healthcare professional on a case-by-case basis.
- It is also important to note that iron deficiency anemia can have significant symptoms and consequences, and treatment should be individualized based on the severity of the condition and the presence of any underlying medical conditions 2.