Do Iron Pills Make You Gain Weight?

Overview

Minerals such as iron are essential for life. Iron is an important component of red blood cells (RBC), which carry oxygen throughout the body. Iron can be obtained from both the food you eat and dietary supplements. If you do not get enough iron from your diet, you are at risk of developing anaemia, which is a condition caused by being deficient in RBC.  Side effects of iron supplements can include heartburn, nausea, constipation and yes, weight gain.

Iron Pills for Iron Deficiency

Iron is one of the essential minerals that your body requires to carry out its functions and is often obtained from food. Ferrous sulphate is a type of iron supplement. If your diet does not contain enough iron, your doctor may advise you to take ferrous sulphate supplementation.

Your body requires iron to produce haemoglobin and myoglobin. Haemoglobin is a protein found inside RBC, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. All of the tissues and organs receive oxygen through your blood with the help of haemoglobin. Myoglobin is also a protein and is a part of your muscles; it assists in the delivery of oxygen to the muscle cells. Your body can't produce these proteins if you don't have enough iron, which could lead to iron deficiency anaemia.⁶

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common kind of anaemia. There are many iron supplements, such as ferrous sulphate, ferric citrate, ferrous gluconate and ferric sulphate. Iron supplements should be taken on an empty stomach and combined with a vitamin C-rich beverage, such as a glass of orange juice or other juice with extra vitamin C; vitamin C helps your body absorb iron.⁸

Causes of Anaemia

Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia. It can be caused by either a condition that is present at birth or a condition that you develop through time. As discussed, anaemia is defined by low haemoglobin levels in the blood, which might happen if your body is unable to produce enough RBC, or if the body can’t replace RBC at the same rate that they’re being destroyed/lost due to conditions such as heavy periods and pregnancy. During pregnancy, iron deficiency anaemia is quite common and is typically brought on by an increase in blood requirements and a diet low in iron.² 

In those individuals who don’t have periods, the most common cause of iron deficiency anaemia is abnormal bleeding in the stomach and/or intestines. This can be brought on by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), including aspirin and ibuprofen, stomach ulcers, inflammation of the bowel or oesophagus (food pipe), haemorrhoids (piles), or cancer of the stomach or bowel, though these are less common. Any other illnesses or behaviours that cause blood loss could also result in iron deficiency anaemia.¹

Symptoms of Anaemia

The signs and symptoms of anaemia can vary greatly depending on both the cause and its severity. It is possible that you will not experience any signs of anaemia.² 

If signs and symptoms do arise, they may include:

• Fatigue
• Pale or yellowish complexion
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeats
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Chest pain
• Cold hands and feet
• Headaches

Anaemia may start out being so mild that you don't notice it.  However, as anaemia progresses, the symptoms get worse.²

Side Effects of Iron Pills

Iron deficiency anaemia is treated and prevented using the medicine ferrous fumarate, which is a type of iron found in certain foods. Iron supplements are available as tablets, capsules or liquid and are available over the counter and with a prescription. 

Ferrous fumarate can cause side effects in some people, just like any other medicine. Many individuals experience either no adverse effects at all or only mild ones. If you are experiencing any of the following side effects, it is in your best interest to speak with your pharmacist or doctor.³ 

• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach discomfort or heartburn
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Black-stained teeth
• Dark or black faeces (poo)

Levels of haemoglobin and iron return to normal after 2 months of iron therapy in most cases. However, in rare circumstances, it could be necessary to continue taking iron supplements for an additional 6 to 12 months. Your doctor will monitor the amount of iron in your body and decide how long you need to continue taking iron supplements based on the results of routine blood tests.⁴

Are Iron Pills Related to Weight Gain?

In 2016, a study found a link between iron supplements and weight increase. In this study, 33 patients who had iron supplementation were observed for three months. The study revealed that 30 of them put on weight, and the amount of weight gain was related to increased haemoglobin levels.⁵ As for the three individuals who didn't gain weight, they did not show an increase in haemoglobin.  

Rarer side effects

In rare cases, ferrous fumarate can cause a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.⁷ In very rare cases, people who take iron supplements may feel weak, have double vision or have throat or chest pain when they swallow. People who take too much iron may exhibit

• Diarrhoea
• Fever
• Stomach pain 
• Nausea

 Late-stage iron overdose symptoms include

• Pale and clammy skin
• Blue-coloured lips and nails
• Shallow or rapid breathing
• Unusual weakness 

If any of these symptoms appear, you should see a doctor.

Summary

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common cause of anaemia and is more frequently seen in pregnant women or women with heavy periods. If you have any symptoms of anaemia, you should visit your doctor and discuss your treatment options. Iron supplements have been found to cause an increase in weight gain. People receiving iron therapy should get advice on the risks of weight gain and the advantages of a healthy diet; additionally, their serum ferritin and haemoglobin levels should be monitored to avoid administering iron for too long a period.