long-term iron supplement side effects. Difference between ferrous gloconate and ferrous sulfate

Good morning, ma'am!

Iron tablets of any type can cause some side effects in some people. The degree of likelihood of these effects varies from one type of iron to another but usually the common effects are

There are many ways to minimize the risk of having these side effects and we can give you some tips on how to reduce them. That said, if your doctor suggests that you take iron, it is probably because you are suffering from iron deficiency (possibly anemia). This is a condition that needs to be managed and iron is needed to build up the stores.

Ferrous gluconate and ferrous sulfate are two types of iron (among others) that are available in pharmacies. In fact, they are both iron salts and the difference is the amount of elemental iron (the amount of iron that can be absorbed by the body). The gluconate contains a lower amount of elemental iron than the ferrous sulfate - you can say that the ferrous sulfate is "stronger" than the ferrous gluconate.

Also, I should point out that iron found in food (meat, dark greens, lentils, etc) is absorbed much better than iron pills, so it is always suggested to increase the intake of iron-rich foods.

I hope this answers your question =)

Have a great day!