Liquid iron supplement efficacy
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Liquid Iron Supplement Efficacy Compared to Tablets
Research shows that liquid iron supplements are just as effective as iron tablets in treating iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Both forms can raise iron levels in the body, but liquid iron is often preferred because it causes fewer gastrointestinal side effects, which are common with tablets and can lead to poor adherence to treatment .
Bioavailability and Absorption of Liquid Iron Supplements
Studies comparing different iron supplements found that certain liquid iron products, such as naturally iron-rich mineral waters and synthetic liquid iron formulations, have equal or even better bioavailability than standard ferrous sulphate tablets. This means the body can absorb and use the iron from these liquid supplements as well as, or better than, from tablets. Improved bioavailability may allow for lower doses and fewer side effects, making treatment more tolerable and potentially more effective for people at risk of IDA .
Efficacy and Safety in Children
A clinical study in children with iron deficiency found that a micronized, microencapsulated liquid iron syrup significantly improved hemoglobin and ferritin levels compared to placebo. The liquid iron syrup was also well-tolerated, with adverse events occurring at similar rates as placebo, suggesting it is both effective and safe for pediatric use .
Efficacy in Special Populations: Chronic Kidney Disease
In patients with non-dialysis dependent chronic kidney disease (NDD-CKD), a study on liposomal (encapsulated) liquid iron supplementation showed partial correction of iron deficiency, particularly improving transferrin saturation (TSAT), though it had less effect on iron storage (ferritin levels). The treatment was generally well-tolerated, but some patients did discontinue due to gastrointestinal side effects .
Considerations for Non-Anaemic Iron Deficiency
The effectiveness of iron supplementation, including liquid forms, in individuals who are iron-deficient but not anaemic is still uncertain. Evidence from randomized trials and meta-analyses is mixed, especially regarding improvements in physical capacity and quality of life. More research is needed to clarify the benefits in this group .
Conclusion
Liquid iron supplements are as effective as tablets for treating iron deficiency anemia and may be better tolerated, especially for those who experience gastrointestinal side effects from tablets. They also show good bioavailability and are effective in children and some special populations. However, their benefits in non-anaemic iron-deficient individuals remain unclear and require further study 12345.
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