Reasons for low hematocrit and hemoglobin

You can find vitamin A in animal food sources, such as fish and liver. Vitamin A and beta-carotene, which helps your body produce vitamin A, can also help your body absorb more iron. Try squeezing some fresh lemon over iron rich foods to increase absorption. Vitamin C may help to increase the amount of iron your body absorbs. When you eat something high in iron or take an iron supplement, try eating foods rich in vitamin C or take a supplement at the same time. Certain things can either increase or decrease the amount of iron your body absorbs. Whether you increase your iron intake through food or supplements, itвЂ™s also important to make sure your body can easily process the extra iron you put into it.

If your child accidentally takes an iron supplement, call your doctor immediately. If your child needs an iron supplement, make sure you choose one thatвЂ™s safe for children.Д¬hildren have a lower blood volume, which makes them much more vulnerable to iron poisoning. Iron supplements should always be kept carefully out of reach of children. You should start noticing a difference in your iron level after about a week to a month, depending on your underlying condition thatвЂ™s causing low hemoglobin. If youвЂ™re pregnant, you should aim for up to 27 mg a day. The National Institutes of HealthвЂ™s Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that men get up to 8 mg of iron per day, while women should get up to 18 mg per day. Work with your doctor to figure out a safe dose, and avoid taking more than 25 milligrams (mg) at one time. This can lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis, and other side effects, such as constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

However, too much iron can cause a condition called hemochromatosis. If you need to raise your hemoglobin level by a lot, you may need to take oral iron supplements.

Reasons for low hematocrit and hemoglobin