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How long should I take supplements for anemia?
I was diagnosed with anemia. How long should I take supplements for anemia?
4 Answers
The length of time youll need to take supplements for anemia depends on the cause and how low your levels were to start. In many cases, iron supplements are taken daily for at least 3 to 6 monthsnot just to correct the anemia, but to rebuild your iron stores.
However, its important to follow up with your doctor to monitor your blood levels and determine the right time frame for you. Theyll let you know when its safe to stop or adjust your dose based on how your body responds to treatment.
If your anemia is due to something other than iron like B12 or folate, your provider will tailor the plan accordingly.
You should continue until the anemia is resolved and iron studies assuming your anemia is from low iron are normal. Some individuals only need to take the supplements for a brief period, some patients need ongoing therapy if there is an issue with nutrition absorption or bleeding.
It depends on which type of anemia and how severe is the anemia. You need to be monitored closely while being treated for your anemia.
The duration of iron supplementation depends on the cause of the iron deficiency and how well the supplements work. You might start feeling better within 1 to 4 weeks of starting iron supplements. After your hemoglobin and iron levels return to normal, your doctor may recommend continuing the supplements for an additional 3 to 6 months to build up your body's iron stores. Furthermore, your doctor may recommend to monitor your iron levels to ensure the supplements are working and to determine when to stop taking them. If you have a chronic illness causing iron deficiency, you might need to take supplements for a longer period.