Iron Supplements Causing Blood in Stools

Iron Supplements and Bloody Stool
Iron Supplements and Black Stool
Other Side Effects of Iron Supplements
Iron Supplements Administration

Written by Esther Kinuthia, RN, BA, BSN, CDCES

05 December, 2018

Iron is an essential mineral that is important in the production of red blood cells. Lack of iron in the diet leads to iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency may also be caused by excess blood loss due to menstruation, burns, stomach ulcers, hemodialysis, intestinal diseases and stomach removal, according to the Mayo Clinic 1. Patients with symptoms iron deficiency are treated with iron supplements 1 2. Patients taking iron supplements may notice blood in their stool 1 2.

Iron Supplements and Bloody Stool

Patients taking iron supplements may notice blood in the stool 1 2. Iron supplements irritate the stomach lining, leading to stomach ulceration 1 2. Bloody stool is a serious complication of iron supplements, and patients should seek immediate medical attention when they notice dark red or bright red blood in the stool 1 2. Taking iron supplements together with food may decrease stomach irritation 1 2. The doctor may also prescribe coated iron supplements to decrease stomach irritation 1 2.

Iron Supplements and Black Stool

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Oral iron supplements may also make stool to appear dark green or black 1 2. This is due to unabsorbed iron compound and is harmless, according to the Mayo Clinic 1. However, patients who experience sharp stomach pains and black stools that have red streaks should seek immediate medical help because they are symptoms of stomach bleeding caused by iron supplements 1 2.

Other Side Effects of Iron Supplements

Iron Supplements Administration

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Iron supplements are available into two forms -- ferrous and ferric -- according to the Office of Dietary Supplements 1 2. Iron supplements may be administered as injections or orally 1 2. Iron supplements should be taken with vitamin C rich foods 1 2. Vitamin C increases iron absorption. Taking iron with food also reduces stomach irritation. Patients should avoid taking excess iron supplements to prevent iron overload 1 2.