All of the following are characteristic features of treatment of iron deficiency anemia with oral iron supplements, except :
A normal individual without iron deficiency absorbs 5-10% of iron, or about 0.5-1 mg daily. Iron absorption in­creases in response to low iron stores or increased iron requirements
In an iron deficient individual, about 50-100 mg of iron can be incorporated into hemoglobin daily, and about 25% of oral iron given as ferrous salt can be absorbed. Therefore, 200-400 mg of elemental iron should be given daily to correct iron deficiency most rapidly.
The reticulocyte count should begin to increase in two weeks and peak in 4 weeks. This suggests a good response to treatment
Treatment with oral iron should be continued for 3-6 months. This will correct the anemia and replenish iron stores.
If 200–300 mg elemental iron is consumed, about 50 mg is absorbed
The proportion of iron absorbed reduces as hemoglobin improves
The reticulocyte count should begin to increase in two weeks and peak in 4 weeks. This suggests good response to treatment
The treatment should be discontinued immediately once hemoglobin normalizes to prevent side effects of iron.