Iron is an important mineral that our bodies need in order to function properly. 

If you are feeling run down and tired, you may be lacking in iron. Fortunately, there are many different ways to get more iron into your diet, including taking iron supplements.

But how soon will you feel better after taking them? In this blog post, we will explore how long it takes for iron supplements to start working and making you feel better!

And if you’ve ever tried iron supplements before, but for some reason felt worse, be sure to read about what happens if you take iron supplements and feel worse.

My Story of Anemia and Iron Supplementation

Back in the day when I was dieting, restricting and bingeing I had all sorts of perfectionistic habits.

Isn’t it strange how perfectionism and dieting go together?

Anyways as an extension of my perfectionism, for 2 years I held to a rigid, vegetarian diet.

Yet little did I know that I was missing vital nutrients my body needed to function!

For example, even though I wasn’t eating meat, I should have included other sources of iron and vitamin B12 such as fortified cereals and nutritional yeast.

One day I went to the doctor’s office for a routine blood test and I was informed that I was anemic.

What was anemia, I wondered?

I found out that anemia is when you feel really fatigued and tired all the time because your iron levels are low.

Because of my vegetarian diet done improperly, my iron levels were low. Was this why I was feeling fatigued?

So I began taking iron supplements and eating meat again.

For me, my iron levels went back up to normal the next time I went back to the doctor’s office, about a month or 6 weeks later.

This was a big relief!

However, despite feeling very relieved about no longer having anemia, after a few days this feeling of being relieved went away.

Now even after the initial feeling of relief passed, I did notice some improvements in energy and feeling overall better.

Yet, I can’t say that I felt a TON better.

Back in the day I remember I was struggling with all sorts of other health related things like restricting and bingeing. These were impacting me far more than my iron levels. Even after my iron levels returned to normal these things were still there.

So, while today I feel much better, I don’t want to give iron supplements too much credit.

But I will say that taking iron supplements did help improve how I felt!

Let’s now go into supplements in more detail!

When are Iron Supplements important?

While most people get the iron they need from their diet, there are some circumstances when iron supplements may be necessary. For example, pregnant women and young children require extra iron to support their rapidly growing bodies.

People with certain medical conditions, such as anemia or Crohn’s disease, may also need additional iron. And individuals who have undergone surgery or suffered a significant blood loss may require iron supplementation to replenish their stores.

In these cases, iron supplements can be lifesaving. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before taking any iron supplement, as too much iron can be toxic.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a medical condition in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues, and a lack of oxygen can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

Anemia can be caused by a number of factors, including nutrient deficiencies, blood loss, and certain chronic diseases. In many cases, anemia can be treated with lifestyle changes or medication.

However, in severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary. Regardless of the cause or severity, anemia is a serious condition that should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If you suspect you have iron deficiency anemia, you may want to order an online blood test for anemia.

How Long Does the Average Person Take To Feel Better From Iron Supplements?

It takes about one to four weeks for your body to build up enough iron stores to correct anemia, according to the Cleveland Health Clinic. However, you should start feeling more energetic within a week or two of beginning iron supplements.

How long does it take to feel better from iron deficiency?

It’s hard to say how long it will take to feel better from iron deficiency, as it depends on a number of factors. For example, if you are only slightly iron deficient, you may start to feel better within a few weeks of taking supplements or making changes to your diet.

However, if you are severely iron deficient, it may take several months before you start to feel better. It is also important to keep in mind that some people never fully recover from iron deficiency, even with treatment.

This is especially true for older adults and people with chronic health conditions. If you are concerned about your iron levels, speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

How long does it take to see a difference with iron supplements?

It can be difficult to know how long it will take before iron supplements start to have an effect. This is because the body’s iron levels are regulated by a complex process, and it can take some time for the body to adjust to the new level of iron.

In general, most people will start to feel the effects of iron supplements within a few weeks. However, it can take up to three months for the body to fully adjust to the new level of iron, so it is important to be patient when taking these supplements.

Different types of Iron Supplements

There are different types of iron supplements, and the type you take may affect how soon you start feeling better.

For example, ferrous sulfate is one of the most common types of iron supplements. It’s typically taken two or three times a day. Ferrous gluconate is another common type of supplement, and it’s usually taken three times a day. If you’re taking ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate, you may start feeling more energy within a week or two.

If you’re taking an extended-release oral iron supplement it may take longer to start feeling the effects. These supplements are usually taken once a day, and they gradually release iron into your body over the course of several hours. The upside is if you have a sensitive stomach this type of iron release will minimize the discomfort. Yet as a result, it may take a few weeks to start feeling more energetic after starting one of these supplements.

There are also oral iron supplements, iron tablets and elemental iron supplements as well.

No matter what type of iron supplement you’re taking, be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how much to take and how often to take it. Taking too much iron absorption can be dangerous, so it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice.

Read our post here for more info about the 8 Best Iron Supplements for Anemia.

How Soon After Taking Iron Supplements Will I feel Better – Conclusion: 

If you’re feeling tired all the time, it could be a sign that you’re iron deficient. The good news is that iron supplements can help. But how soon will you feel better after starting to take them?

It depends on the person, but most people start to feel more energetic within a few days or weeks of starting supplementation. Talk to your doctor to get specific advice for your situation, as it’s definitely best to take an iron supplement if you have iron deficiency anemia.

Do you have any experience with taking iron supplements? Share your story in the comments below!