Can I add Optifer A (Vitamin A) to 27 milligrams of iron - ferrous fumarate (Iron Supplement) to prevent iron deficiency anemia?

From the Guidelines

I strongly advise against adding Optifer A to a 27 mg ferrous fumarate supplement without consulting a healthcare provider first, as this may lead to excessive iron intake and increase the risk of adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation. The recommended daily allowance for iron varies by age, sex, and condition, with adult men generally needing about 8 mg daily and women of reproductive age requiring about 18 mg daily 1. According to the guidelines for the management of iron deficiency anaemia, treatment of an underlying cause should prevent further iron loss, and all patients should have iron supplementation both to correct anaemia and replenish body stores 1.

Key Considerations

• The usual dose of elemental iron per day for treating iron deficiency anemia is 60 to 120 mg, and prenatal vitamins often include a low dose of iron, typically 30 mg of elemental iron per day 1.
• Ferrous sulphate 200 mg twice daily is a common and effective treatment for iron deficiency anaemia, but lower doses may be as effective and better tolerated 1.
• Ascorbic acid may enhance iron absorption, but there are no data for its effectiveness in the treatment of IDA 1.
• Parenteral preparations are available for those intolerant or not responding to oral iron, including intravenous iron compounds such as iron sucrose and ferric carboxymaltose 1.

Recommendations

• If you're concerned about anemia, it's essential to have your blood levels checked by a healthcare provider who can recommend the appropriate dosage of iron supplementation based on your specific needs 1.
• Treatment should address the root cause of potential anemia, rather than just supplementing with iron 1.
• Consult with a healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your regimen, especially if you're already taking a 27 mg ferrous fumarate supplement 1.

From the Research

Adding Optifer A to Iron-Ferrous Fumarate

• The study 2 suggests that vitamin A supplementation can reduce the risk of anemia by 26% and raise hemoglobin levels, independent of the life stage.
• However, the study 3 found that the addition of vitamin C or ascorbate to iron supplementation did not significantly improve hemoglobin or serum ferritin levels in patients with anemia.
• Another study 4 found that vitamin A can improve hematological indicators and enhance the efficacy of iron supplementation, but the public health impact of vitamin supplementation in controlling anemia is not clear.
• The study 5 recommends that iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia be diagnosed, treated, and prevented based on individual needs, but does not specifically address the addition of Optifer A to iron-ferrous fumarate.
• The study 6 discusses the diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia, but does not mention the use of Optifer A or vitamin A supplementation.

Interaction between Vitamin A and Iron

• The study 2 found that vitamin A supplementation can increase serum ferritin levels in pregnant and lactating women, but did not alter the prevalence of iron deficiency among children and teenagers.
• The study 4 found that vitamin A can enhance the efficacy of iron supplementation, but the mechanisms of this interaction are not fully understood.
• There is limited evidence to suggest that adding Optifer A to 27 mg iron-ferrous fumarate would prevent anemia, and more research is needed to understand the effects of this combination on iron status and anemia risk.