Can you take a multivitamin and mineral for iron deficiency?

It’s easy to be confused by the large choice of nutritional supplements at your local pharmacy. Read on to find out what to look for if your doctor has recommended that you take a therapeutic oral iron supplement.

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Although many multivitamins and minerals in health shops and pharmacies contain iron, they are not necessarily designed to treat medically diagnosed iron deficiency. We explain why it is important to ensure you choose an oral supplement with an adequate dose of iron.

A word about multivitamins and minerals

There is a large choice of multivitamins and minerals on the pharmacy shelf. They have widely varying compositions, ranging from a small number of vitamins or minerals to those with many. Some are designed for different age or population groups, for example, children, middle-aged women, or the elderly. Even if they list iron in their ingredients, it may not be enough to effectively treat iron deficiency or to prevent tiredness and fatigue associated with iron deficiency. It’s always best to ask a health professional for advice about what’s best for you.

Therapeutic oral iron supplements

You can trust Ferro-grad C® to give you a therapeutic dose of 105mg of elemental iron if your doctor has diagnosed iron deficiency and recommended a therapeutic oral iron supplement.1,2 In addition, Ferro-grad C® comes in a convenient once-daily formula and contains vitamin C to aid absorption.2,3

Stay the course

Many people stop taking their iron supplements after a few weeks,1 possibly because they start feeling better. But it is crucial to continue taking your Ferro-grad C® until your doctor confirms your iron stores are at healthy levels. This may usually take 3 to 6 months.1

References

  1. Iron Deficiency, eTG complete, 2017
  2. Ferro-grad C® Product Label
  3. Brise H et al 1962;171 (Suppl 376):51–8. 2.

FGC-2021-0129. October 2021

#Most widely used brand of therapeutic oral iron supplement, based on cumulative total of IQVIA sales data in the last 10 years.

ALWAYS READ THE LABEL AND FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR USE.
For use when you have been diagnosed as iron deficient and your doctor has recommended a therapeutic oral iron supplement.

Ferro-grad C contains ferrous sulfate 325 mg (equivalent to 105 mg elemental iron) and sodium ascorbate 562.4 mg (equivalent to 500 mg Vitamin C).

Ferro-grad C is a Viatris trademark. Copyright © 2022 Viatris Inc. All rights reserved. Viatris Pty Ltd. Level 1, 30-34 Hickson Road, Millers Point NSW 2000. Tel 1800 314 527. FGC-2022-0047. Prepared April 2022.