Iron is a vital mineral that plays an essential role in your body’s ability to produce red blood cells and transport oxygen. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies globally, affecting millions of people and leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and cognitive challenges. Supplementing with iron, therefore, becomes essential for many, but determining the right amount can be confusing. In this article, we'll discuss daily iron requirements, factors affecting individual needs, and how Pharmics’ iron supplements, Ferretts IPS and Ferretts Chewables, can support your health effectively.

Understanding Daily Iron Requirements

The amount of iron you need varies depending on age, gender, and life stage. Here’s a breakdown of recommended daily iron intake according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH):

• Infants (7-12 months): 11 mg/day
• Children (1-3 years): 7 mg/day
• Children (4-8 years): 10 mg/day
• Children (9-13 years): 8 mg/day
• Adolescents (14-18 years):
  • Boys: 11 mg/day
  • Girls: 15 mg/day
• Adults (19-50 years):
  • Men: 8 mg/day
  • Women: 18 mg/day
• Adults (51+ years): 8 mg/day for both men and women
• Pregnant Women: 27 mg/day
• Breastfeeding Women (19+ years): 9-10 mg/day

As you can see, women typically require more iron than men, particularly during reproductive years, due to menstrual blood loss. Pregnant women also have increased iron needs to support fetal development.

Why Iron Requirements Vary

Daily iron requirements are not universal and can be influenced by several factors:

• Age and Gender: Women of childbearing age need more iron than men due to menstruation, while children and teenagers have higher requirements to support growth and development.
• Diet: Vegetarians and vegans may need up to 1.8 times more iron than meat-eaters because plant-based iron (non-heme) is less easily absorbed than the heme iron found in meat.
• Health Conditions: Conditions such as anemia, gastrointestinal disorders, and heavy menstrual periods can increase iron requirements. Blood loss from surgeries or injuries can also create a greater need for iron replenishment.
• Pregnancy: Iron needs increase during pregnancy to supply oxygen to the growing baby and to support the mother’s increased blood volume.

Due to these factors, it’s essential to understand your own needs before supplementing with iron, as too much can lead to side effects.

Choosing the Right Iron Supplement

Pharmics offers a variety of iron supplements tailored to meet diverse needs and preferences. Here’s an overview of each of their iron supplements, highlighting how they address different iron requirements, taste preferences, and ease of use.

Ferretts IPS Capsules

Ferretts IPS Capsules deliver 18 mg of elemental iron per capsule, making them ideal for those who require a moderate, daily maintenance dose of iron.

• Gentle and Effective:Ferretts IPS Capsules are formulated as iron polysaccharide, which is designed to be easy on the stomach, minimizing common issues like constipation and nausea.
• Convenient Dosing: Each capsule contains 18 mg of iron, offering a versatile option for daily supplementation, especially for individuals with lower or moderate iron needs.
• Easy to Swallow: The capsules are compact and simple to integrate into your daily routine.

Ferretts Chewables

For those who prefer a chewable option, Ferretts Chewables provide 18 mg of elemental iron per tablet, making it a convenient, tasty choice for iron supplementation.

• Great-Tasting Chewables: Each tablet is flavored to make taking your iron enjoyable. The chewable form is especially appealing for individuals who have difficulty swallowing pills.
• Gentle on Digestion: Similar to the capsules, Ferretts Chewables are crafted to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, so you can supplement your iron without common side effects.
• Portable and Flexible: Chewable tablets are easy to take on the go, fitting well into a busy lifestyle.

Ferretts IPS Liquid Iron

Ferretts IPS Liquid Iron is a delicious black cherry-flavored option that provides a liquid form of iron supplementation, ideal for those who prefer or require a non-pill format.

• Tasty and Easy to Digest: The black cherry flavor makes this liquid iron supplement a pleasant option, and the liquid form is gentle on the digestive system.
• Precise Dosing: The liquid format allows for customizable dosing, making it suitable for individuals who may need a lower or higher dose depending on their specific requirements.
• Perfect for All Ages: This is an excellent option for children or adults who struggle with tablets or capsules, providing a smooth, enjoyable way to take iron.

Ferretts Iron Tablets

For those in need of a higher iron dose, Ferretts Iron Tablets deliver 106 mg of elemental iron per tablet in a small, easy-to-swallow format.

• High-Potency Option: With 106 mg of iron per tablet, this option is well-suited for individuals with higher iron needs due to conditions such as anemia or heavy blood loss.
• Compact and Easy to Swallow: Despite its potency, the tablet is designed to be small and easy to take, which is beneficial for individuals who may find larger tablets challenging to swallow.
• Ideal for Iron Deficiency Treatment: This high-dose supplement is best used under a healthcare provider’s guidance to ensure appropriate dosing for conditions requiring substantial iron replenishment.

Tips for Taking Iron Supplements

To maximize the benefits of your iron supplement, keep these tips in mind:

• Avoid Certain Foods Around Dosing: Dairy products, coffee, tea, and calcium-rich foods can inhibit iron absorption. Try to take your iron supplement a few hours apart from these.
• Follow Your Doctor’s Recommendations: If you’ve been diagnosed with iron deficiency or anemia, always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on dosage to ensure you’re taking the correct amount for your specific needs.
• Consistency is Key: Iron supplementation works best when taken consistently. Make it part of your daily routine to ensure you’re meeting your iron requirements.

How Ferretts Supplements Help You Meet Your Iron Goals

Pharmics’ Ferretts line offers versatile options to meet your unique iron supplementation needs, with products designed for both daily maintenance and higher-dose requirements. For those seeking consistent, moderate iron support, Ferretts IPS Capsules and Ferretts Chewables each provide 18 mg of iron per dose, ideal for gentle, daily supplementation. Ferretts IPS Capsules are an easy-to-swallow option with minimal digestive discomfort, while the chewable tablets offer a tasty, convenient alternative for individuals who prefer not to swallow pills, making them easy to incorporate into a busy lifestyle.

For individuals who benefit from a more flexible dosing option, Ferretts IPS Liquid Iron delivers iron in a delicious black cherry-flavored liquid. This format is perfect for anyone who has difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, including children or older adults, and allows for precise dose adjustments based on specific needs. Finally, Ferretts Iron Tablets provide a high-potency solution, offering 106 mg of iron per tablet in a small, easy-to-swallow form. These tablets are ideal for those with significant iron requirements due to conditions like anemia or heavy blood loss and should be used under healthcare guidance to ensure proper dosing. With a focus on gentle digestion, reliable absorption, and convenient formats, Pharmics’ Ferretts line provides a solution for every iron need, making it easy to achieve and maintain optimal iron levels comfortably and effectively.

Iron is a crucial nutrient that many of us need more of, but determining how much to take can be complex. With the guidance of a healthcare professional and the right supplement, you can easily meet your daily iron needs. If you’re ready to enhance your energy, support your body’s oxygen transport, and improve overall wellness, explore the benefits of Ferretts iron supplements today!

Contact your healthcare provider before taking any iron supplement.

*WARNING: Accidental overdose of iron containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6. Keep iron containing products out of the reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, call a doctor or poison control center immediately.

Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.