Should Pregnant Women Take Iron Supplements on an Empty Stomach or After Eating?

Pregnant women are generally advised to take iron supplements after meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation and discomfort. If a pregnant woman is iron-deficient, she can take iron supplements such as ferrous succinate tablets, ferrous sulfate tablets, or ferrous gluconate syrup under the guidance of a physician. Iron supplements may irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, and pregnant women may also experience pregnancy-related nausea. Taking iron supplements before meals may cause gastric discomfort, so it is generally recommended for pregnant women to take them after meals. However, it is important not to take them blindly. They should follow the doctor's advice, use iron supplements with fewer side effects, and take them regularly and in the prescribed dosage. During the medication period, regular follow-up checks are necessary. While taking iron supplements, pregnant women should also pay attention to their diet by consuming more iron-rich foods such as spinach, pig liver, and chicken liver. Maintaining a balanced diet with appropriate intake of meat, eggs, dairy products, and coarse grains, and consuming various nutrients, will provide comprehensive nutrition for the growth and development of the fetus.