Patient's question:
NoDoctor's answer:
Preferred oral iron supplements. For example: ferrous sulfate 0.3g, three times daily; or dextran iron 50mg, two to three times daily. Taking after meals reduces gastrointestinal reactions and improves tolerance. Grains, dairy products, and tea inhibit iron absorption, while fish, meat, and vitamin C enhance it. The effectiveness of oral iron supplements is first observed as an increase in peripheral reticulocytes, peaking 5-10 days after starting treatment. Hemoglobin levels rise two weeks later, and typically normalize within about two months. Iron therapy should continue for at least 4-6 months after hemoglobin returns to normal, until storage iron markers are also restored, before discontinuing the medication.