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Many of us take multivitamins daily to support nutritional gaps in our diet. Many times, we’ve been told the more nutrients you get, the healthier you are. However, that isn’t always true—we’re guessing you didn’t expect that to come from us.
For example, there are some vitamins and minerals that you actually can get too much of, like iron, depending on who you are, what conditions you may have, and what phase of your life journey you’re in.
And when you do get too much iron in your daily diet or supplement regimen, it can have some negative side effects, even potentially dangerous.
It’s why some people are choosing with the help of their medical professionals to make the informed decision to take a multivitamin without iron.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with a multivitamin containing iron or not. Everyone's bodies and lifestyles are different, so how much iron is too much depends on your individual health needs.
Who Should Avoid Multivitamins with Iron?
Iron is an essential mineral that helps transport oxygen to different parts of our body. However, there are conditions where taking too much iron can cause harm, such as hemochromatosis or thalassemia. In these cases, it is important to limit iron intake and opt for a multivitamin without iron.
Additionally, certain groups of people may have higher iron levels due to their diet or health conditions and may benefit from a multivitamin without iron.
These include people with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and those with conditions that cause chronic bleeding, such as ulcers or heavy menstrual periods.
Post-menopausal people assigned female at birth don't need as much iron in their diets as they did when they were younger. In general people over 50 may have trouble absorbing iron, so they may benefit from taking a multivitamin without iron.
If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, or if your doctor has advised you to avoid iron supplements, multivitamins without iron may be a good alternative.
Who Should Take Multivitamins with Iron?
On the other hand, some people may need more iron than others. In fact, about 25% of the global population is iron deficient.
Pregnant women, for instance, need more iron to support their growing fetus, however, prenatal vitamins often have added iron, so be sure to check the labels.
Iron deficiency anemia is also a common condition diagnosed in the US, which can occur when the body doesn't have enough iron to produce red blood cells.
If you suspect that you may have an iron deficiency, it is best to take a look at your daily diet and get your iron levels checked by a medical professional before avoiding iron-containing multivitamins, because you may need one. They’ll be able to make sure you have a tailored plan just for you to minimize potential health risks, regardless of whether you need more or less iron in your diet and supplements.
Health Benefits of Taking Multivitamins Without Iron
One of the benefits of taking multivitamins without iron is that you won't have to worry about getting too much iron.
Excess iron can cause nausea, vomiting, and constipation, and in more severe cases, it can cause liver damage. Additionally, some studies suggest that too much iron in the body may contribute to heart disease and cancer.
Another benefit of taking multivitamins without iron is that they may be easier on your stomach. Iron supplements are notorious for causing digestive issues such as constipation and stomach cramps. If you have a sensitive stomach, a multivitamin without iron may be a better option for you.
The Best Option for a Multivitamin Without Iron
If you have decided that a multivitamin without iron is the right choice for you, it's important to choose one that meets your needs.
Look for a multivitamin that contains essential vitamins such as A, C, D, E, K, and B vitamins. Additionally, look for a multivitamin that is free of harmful additives such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
It's also important to read the label carefully to ensure that the multivitamin contains the right amounts of each vitamin and mineral—and that can vary from person to person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether or not you should take a multivitamin without iron depends on your lifestyle and needs.
If you have a medical condition that requires you to avoid iron or if you are post-menopausal for example, a multivitamin without iron may be a good option.
However, if you suspect that you have an iron deficiency, or if you are pregnant, you may need to take iron-containing multivitamins.
It's important to read the label carefully and choose a multivitamin that meets your needs and provides essential vitamins while avoiding harmful additives.
As with any dietary supplement, it is always best to consult with your doctor before starting a new regimen. We hope you’re inspired to take a look at your supplements and see if they’re meeting your needs.