To increase the performance of the immune system, improve metabolism and remove harmful substances from the body, it is recommended to take the dietary supplement Spirulina. The drug is made based on Chinese brown algae.
The dietary supplement is available in powder form, which contains beneficial amino acids, vitamins, active flavonoids, minerals and herbal immunostimulants. Before purchasing the drug, it is recommended to study the instructions supplied with it in order to familiarize yourself with the pharmacological properties of the food additive and make sure there are no contraindications.
Release form
Spirulina is a powder (it is recommended to take dietary supplements for diabetes mellitus in order to improve the functioning of the pancreas, increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin and enhance the pharmacological properties of hypoglycemic drugs) with a wide spectrum of action, which can be consumed in its pure form, added to ready-made meals and drinks, and also used for making cosmetic masks and scrubs.
This form of food supplement is the most popular and effective, since the production process of the drug involves a minimum amount of technologies and methods for processing natural raw materials. Due to this, all the beneficial substances are preserved in the crushed algae. The only drawback of the powder is the presence of a characteristic marine taste and smell.
Several healthy recipes with spirulina.
Green Banana Smoothie
A simple and at the same time very healthy recipe, the basis of which is banana. To adjust the thickness of the drink during the whipping process, you can add more water or natural yogurt to it.
Ingredients:
- 1 very ripe banana;
- 1 tablespoon spirulina;
- 1 tablespoon Jerusalem artichoke syrup;
- water.
Combine all ingredients in a blender bowl and beat them. Your vitamin cocktail is ready.
Berry smoothie
Delicious and beautiful smoothie. Unlike other recipes with spirulina, it is not green, but a rich cherry color.
Ingredients:
- 30 g strawberries;
- 20 g blueberries;
- 20 g blackberries;
- 200 ml orange juice;
- 5 g spirulina.
Place the berries in a blender, cover them with orange juice and add spirulina powder. Whisk until smooth, then pour into a glass. You can decorate with mint.
Avocado and cucumber snack
An uncomplicated, refreshing snack that can be used in your daily diet menu or prepared for a holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 1–2 cucumbers;
- 1 avocado;
- half a tomato;
- half a teaspoon of spirulina;
- a pinch of salt;
- cherry tomatoes for decoration.
The cucumber must be cut into pieces and the core removed. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pulp and mash it with a fork. Place avocado, cucumber core, spirulina, diced tomato and salt in a container. You can sprinkle with lime juice. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Place a tablespoon of this minced meat in each piece of cucumber and garnish with half a cherry tomato.
Spirulina is a truly useful supplement with a unique composition. When taken in recommended dosages, taking into account precautions, the effect will only be positive.
Chemical composition
The dietary supplement is characterized by a rich chemical composition. The drug is based on spirulina, which belongs to the genus of cyanobacteria. This blue-green algae contains vitamins A, B, C, E, D, K. Spirulina is a source of calcium, potassium, chromium, phosphorus and magnesium.
Spirulina powder.
Single-celled algae powder helps replenish the body's deficiency of selenium, copper, sodium and zinc. Moreover, spirulina contains 35-38 times more iron than spinach. But beta-carotene is 25-29 times more than in fresh carrots. Spirulina contains chlorophyll, which is responsible for cleansing the body of toxins, helps improve overall well-being, and also has a positive effect on brain activity.
The final biochemical composition of the dietary supplement powder may vary depending on the growing conditions of the unicellular algae.
Spirulina – does it help? Customer Reviews
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There are a lot of reviews and they are all positive.
Pharmacological properties
Numerous laboratory studies have shown that the dietary supplement Spirulina not only strengthens the immune system, but also improves metabolism and reduces the risk of developing cancer. The nutritional supplement has a positive effect on the body of women during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Among the main pharmacological properties of Spirulina are:
- Reducing the concentration of glucose and cholesterol in the blood, which helps reduce the risk of developing coronary diseases, atherosclerosis and diabetes by 80%.
- Improving metabolic processes. Single-celled algae prevents excess weight gain.
- A dietary supplement increases the effectiveness of combination drug therapy, the effect of which is aimed at treating stomach ulcers, osteochondrosis, allergies, hypertension, and insomnia. The dietary supplement Spirulina is recommended for use in vascular diseases, joint inflammation and chronic fatigue.
- Normalization of hormonal levels.
- Improving the condition of the skin and mucous membranes.
- Reducing dependence on tobacco and alcohol.
- Relief of inflammatory processes.
- Increased physical endurance.
- Removing waste and toxins from the body.
- Reducing the likelihood of premature aging of the body.
- Elimination of vitamin and mineral deficiency.
- Increasing the body's resistance to infectious diseases.
Spirulina powder is in great demand in cosmetology, since this natural product is used to make various masks that improve skin tone and help get rid of facial wrinkles. The dietary supplement can be used for comprehensive hair care to improve its natural color and add shine.
Spirulina and its uses
Spirulina is used for health, maintaining the body, and for weight loss. The optimal dosage is 5 grams, or a teaspoon, per day. To mask the specific taste of seaweed, you can combine it with fruits, berries, and vegetables.
The supplement can be used for weight loss. It will help reduce the amount you eat and saturate the body with protein, vitamins and minerals. It is important to combine the product with a proper diet and physical activity.
Spirulina is often recommended for pregnant women. Folic acid in the composition promotes the proper formation of the fetus. Expectant mothers are recommended to consume 2–4 grams of the supplement per day. During pregnancy and lactation, it is important to first consult with a specialist.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The dietary supplement Spirulina has a radioprotective effect on the body and increases the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the intestines. Regular use of the drug reduces the resulting nephrotoxicity of medications and heavy metal salts. Single-celled algae powder increases the body's resistance to seasonal respiratory diseases.
Spirulina has immunomodulatory properties, since the components present in its composition stimulate the functioning of all organs, tissues and cells of the immune system (for example, bone marrow stem cells, macrophagocytes, spleen, thymus, as well as EK and T cells).
The drug has a powerful antioxidant and antitumor effect and stimulates hematopoiesis. Spirulina helps improve the condition of stem cells found in the bone marrow. Due to this, the cellular immunity of leukocytes, as well as red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, increases.
Spirulina has the following properties:
- Anti-allergenic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Wound healing.
- Antioxidant.
Doctors recommend taking Spirulina to professional athletes, vegetarians, bodybuilders, as well as those people who need to compensate for the deficiency of B vitamins or follow a strict diet. Powder from unicellular algae is a complete source of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), which is absent in plant foods, but is necessary for the body for normal hematopoiesis.
Choosing the best spirulina producer
There are many types of spirulina supplements, so it is important to be mindful and scrupulous when choosing a supplement manufacturer. Because spirulina grown in an uncontrolled environment can absorb large amounts of heavy metals and other toxins , it is important to choose spirulina that is certified and safe to produce.
THIS IS WHAT SPIRULINA PRODUCTION COULD LOOK LIKE IN ASIAN COUNTRIES AND INDIA.
It is also important to understand that many spirulina producers are chasing quantity rather than quality. That is why their product lacks many useful substances. For example, when comparing spirulina grown in Russia and spirulina from China, Russian seaweed is much more packed with beneficial ingredients .
THIS IS WHAT SPIRULINA PRODUCTION LOOKS LIKE IN RUSSIA
It is worth noting that some spirulina products that contain contaminants may cause allergic reactions or digestive problems.
A 2013 study published in the Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences noted that lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic were found in more than 25 spirulina samples .
Indications for use
Spirulina is a powder (it is recommended to take dietary supplements if the body is highly prone to developing an allergic reaction, when the patient’s condition worsens due to hay fever or allergic dermatitis) with a wide spectrum of action, which is increasingly included in combination therapy for the treatment and prevention of the development of chronic diseases.
In the annotation for the drug, the manufacturer indicated the indications for use:
- Gynecological diseases. For example, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome, mastopathy, cervical erosion.
- Oncological neoplasms.
- Pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys.
- Diabetes.
- Dermatological diseases that are associated with hypovitaminosis, dysbacteriosis or age-related hyperkeratosis.
- Obesity.
- Thyroid diseases.
- Child planning period.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
- Menopause.
If Spirulina powder is used to prepare masks, then in the end it will be possible to improve skin color, smooth out fine wrinkles, cleanse pores, get rid of acne and gain a beautiful glow. By adding the product to shampoo, you can strengthen your hair, making it fuller and silkier.
Contraindications
Spirulina is a powder that is advisable to take for atherosclerosis and hypertension. Daily consumption of 1 g of pure drug for 90 days can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood by 15-20%. By improving the condition of blood vessels, blood pressure is normalized.
However, dietary supplements should not be taken if the body is hypersensitive to spirulina. If there are acute inflammatory processes in the body, you should consult your doctor before using a dietary supplement.
Spirulina tablets
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Instructions for use, dosage
Spirulina is a simple, single-celled freshwater algae that is only beneficial when taken as recommended. Before use, the powder must be mixed with your favorite drink or added to a prepared dish. When drawing up an individual course of therapy, the doctor takes into account the patient’s age and the nature of his diseases.
For example:
- Mastopathy. Immediately after waking up (on an empty stomach) you need to take 5 g of Spirulina. After 30-40 minutes. you can have breakfast. Take the dietary supplement once a day.
- Fibroids. From 5 to 7 g of dietary supplement should be taken 1 hour before meals, 1 time per day.
- For toxicosis and erosion of the cervix, the daily dosage of the drug should not exceed 6 g. The drug is taken immediately after waking up.
- In the presence of diseases of the esophagus, the drug Spirulina is prescribed in a dosage of 0.5-0.7 g 5-7 times a day. In severe cases, the drug can be taken up to 10 times a day to improve the condition.
- For liver diseases, the dietary supplement Spirulina can be used as a hepatoprotector. To do this, powder from unicellular algae is taken once a day, 3 g.
- After surgical removal of thyroid tissue, it is recommended to take 2 g of dietary supplements on an empty stomach. To restore the body, you need to take the powder for 3-6 months.
- Glomerulonephritis. Adults and children over 14 years of age are prescribed 2 g of dietary supplement per day. For complex treatment of kidney disease in children under 14 years of age, the dosage of the drug should be reduced to 1.5 g.
- To increase sexual activity, as well as during menopause, the powder is taken in the morning, 3-4 g.
- For patients over 65 years of age, Spirulina is prescribed 2 g once a day to improve health. Therapy should last 3-4 weeks.
- For a comprehensive fight against bronchial asthma, you need to take 1 g of the dietary supplement for the first 3 days, then 1.5 g for another 3 days. The dosage of the drug should be increased gradually to 3 g. The therapeutic course should last 60 days.
You can make a nourishing face mask from single-celled algae powder. To do this you need to take 2-3 tsp. natural remedy and add 1-2 tsp to it. water at room temperature. In addition to the nutritional mixture, you must add 1 tsp. liquid honey. All ingredients must be mixed thoroughly. The resulting mixture is evenly applied to dry facial skin. After 60 min. The mask can be washed off with warm running water.
To prepare an anti-cellulite scrub, you need to take Spirulina powder and mix it with Epsom salt in equal proportions. Add 7 drops of tangerine or grapefruit essential oil to the resulting mixture. The scrub should be applied to problem areas after taking a bath. The scrub should be rubbed well into the skin and left for 45 minutes, then rinsed with warm water. The procedure is carried out 3 times a week.
Spirulina powder
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California Gold Nutrition, Superfoods, Organic Spirulina Powder, 8.5 oz (240 g)
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Side effects
In 99% of cases, the dietary supplement Spirulina is well tolerated by the body of adults and children. With prolonged use, the drug can turn stool green, which is due to the presence of a large amount of chlorophyll in algae.
This is a normal reaction of the body to a nutritional supplement, which is why discontinuation of therapy is not required. In rare cases, patients complain of dyspeptic disorders, which manifest themselves in the form of nausea, abdominal pain and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. If these symptoms occur, you should consult your doctor for advice.
The single-celled algae contains a large amount of beta-carotene, which can cause yellowing of the skin on the palms. In this case, the daily dosage of the dietary supplement must be reduced, but it is not recommended to completely abandon the drug.
If the patient has a history of gallstone disease or nephrolithiasis, Spirulina can be used only in minimal doses and after prior consultation with the attending physician. Otherwise, there is a high probability of strangulation of the urinary tract when a calculus passes through it, which is due to the ability of the algae to remove the protein-crystalline suspension from the body.
1 patient out of 100 develops an allergic reaction after using a dietary supplement, which is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Attacks of nausea, vomiting.
- Increased body temperature.
- Hives.
- Chills, general malaise.
- Dizziness.
- Itching and burning of the skin.
If, after using the dietary supplement Spirulina, the patient’s condition begins to deteriorate, then you should immediately seek advice from your doctor, who will perform the necessary diagnostic procedures, prescribe symptomatic treatment, and also help you choose a safer analogue.
For weight loss
Spirulina helps improve the absorption of nutrients entering the body, which reduces the need for them by about a third. It also normalizes lipid metabolism.
The use of dietary supplements in weight loss programs involves taking tablets, capsules or powder 30-60 minutes before each meal in a dose of 0.5-1 g. Take the product with 0.5-1 glass of liquid.
Nutritionists advise people who are losing weight to skip one of the meals, replacing it with 3-4 grams of Spirullina platensis with 2 or more glasses of water.
During the period of taking dietary supplements, it is useful to adhere to a vegetable and fruit diet, eat small meals, exclude alcohol, spicy seasonings, sweets, fats, and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Overdose
In medical practice, cases of overdose with Spirulina have not yet been recorded. At the same time, the manufacturer of the dietary supplement does not exclude the possibility that repeated exceeding the recommended dosage of the dietary supplement may provoke the occurrence of the following symptoms:
- Abnormal stool.
- Headache attacks.
- Increased body temperature.
- Vomit.
- General malaise.
- Hives, itching and burning of the skin.
- Profuse salivation.
- Sleep disturbance.
If symptoms of overdose occur, you should stop taking dietary supplements and consult your doctor.
special instructions
Spirulina is a powder (the drug can be taken simultaneously with other medications, the action of which is aimed at cleansing the body and normalizing intestinal microflora), which has a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels, bones, muscles and skin.
Spirulina powder.
This dietary supplement is in great demand among people who want to slow down the body's natural aging process and improve their quality of life. The single-cell algae contains protein, which is indispensable for increased fatigue, excessive physical and mental stress, as well as reduced performance.
Laboratory studies have shown that Spirulina has a positive effect on blood composition even in those patients who have suffered bone marrow destruction. Due to these properties, freshwater algae is widely used to treat those patients who have been diagnosed with cancer or radiation sickness.
Spirulina contains piliose, which reduces the percentage of radiation damage to cells and also stimulates the proliferation of blood cells in the bone marrow. Blue-green algae is rich in vitamin A, which is necessary for maintaining normal hair and skin condition. With a lack of retinol, hormonal imbalance occurs, the risk of developing diseases of the cardiovascular system increases, and the immune system's resistance to infections decreases.
Spirulina helps compensate for the lack of cobalamin in the body, thereby preventing the development of pernicious anemia. To meet the daily requirement of an adult for vitamin B12, you need to consume 4 g of single-celled algae powder daily. Numerous laboratory studies of spirulina made it possible to verify its safety and effectiveness, thanks to which WHO staff were able to register it as a medicinal food complex.
Analogs
If the drug Spirulina is not available in the pharmacy, it can be replaced with another drug. Modern pharmacology presents structural analogues, as well as food additives with a different composition, but with a similar principle of action.
| Drug name | Description |
| Spirulina Tianshi | This dietary supplement is based on wild spirulina powder. The drug is indicated for diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes, anemia, infectious diseases, pathologies of the visual apparatus and skin rashes. The daily dosage of the dietary supplement depends on the age of the patient: children under 7 years old - 1 capsule, children from 7 to 14 years old - 1-2 capsules, teenagers and adults - up to 6 capsules per day. Therapy can last from 1 to 6 months. The average price of the drug Spirulina Tiens is 980 rubles. |
| Lipovitam Beta | The drug contains: vitamins E and C, beta-carotene, natural phospholipids. The nutritional supplement is included in complex drug therapy in the presence of the following diseases and conditions: bronchial asthma, cancer, atherosclerosis, cataracts, vitamin deficiency, stomach and duodenal ulcers, toxicosis, hypertension, increased fragility of nails and hair. For prevention purposes, you need to take 1 capsule of dietary supplements in the morning and evening. For the complex treatment of chronic diseases, Lipovitam Beta is taken 3 times a day, 2 capsules. The drug costs around 890 rubles. |
| Solyasol | The product is available in the form of a balm for oral use. The composition of the drug includes: Kholmovoy Solyanka herb extract, purified water, hawthorn fruit tincture, licorice root extract, sodium benzoate, chokeberry fruit extract. The product is recommended to be taken as a dietary supplement to food to compensate for the lack of flavonoids and glycyrrhizic acid in the body. The drug is effective in the complex treatment of gynecological, ophthalmological, dermatological, cardiovascular and otorhinolaryngological diseases. You need to take 2 tsp of the balm. 3 times a day with meals. Before use, dissolve the product in 200 ml of tea or warm water. Solyasol costs 498-850 rubles. |
| Nagipol | This drug contains amino acids, vitamins, polysaccharides, nucleotides, carbohydrates, lower and higher peptides, and various microelements. When used correctly, Nagipol increases the body's resistance to seasonal colds. The drug is used in traditional medicine for the combined treatment and prevention of the development of the following diseases: iron deficiency anemia, furunculosis, hepatitis, tachycardia, atherosclerosis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, hypertension. It is recommended to take Nagipol 10 minutes before. before meals. The standard dosage is 2-3 g of powder 3 times a day. The therapeutic course lasts 2 months. In severe cases of illness, the dosage of the drug can be increased by 2 times. Nagipol costs 87-199 rubles. |
It is not recommended to choose an analogue of the dietary supplement Spirulina on your own, since in order to safely undergo drug therapy you need to undergo a comprehensive medical examination, on the basis of which a qualified doctor will prescribe effective treatment.
Treatment of iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency
27.05.2021
Treatment of iron deficiency anemia and iron deficiency
About modern ideas about the correction of iron deficiency and the main characteristics of iron-containing drugs, the principles of their selection and dosage in iron deficiency states. Diet for iron deficiency and sources of iron in food
The main source of iron for humans is animal products. In nature, iron exists in two chemical forms: 2-valent (heme) and 3-valent (non-heme). Heme iron is well absorbed in the intestine. The richest meats in heme iron are beef, especially beef and blood sausage. There is much less heme iron in poultry and fish. Liver (pork and veal), kidneys, heart, liver sausage are rich in ferritin and hemosiderin, containing non-heme iron (the latter is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract). A lot of non-heme iron is found in some brands of red wine, fruit juices, apples, pomegranates, buckwheat, dairy products, eggs, nuts and chocolate. The bioavailability of such iron is minimal, and all these products are not a source of iron. Vegetarianism is a strong risk factor for iron deficiency anemia (IDA) at any age. At the same time, the diet should include greens, vegetables, and fruits, since iron absorption improves with the presence of vitamin C in food. Iron absorption is impaired by tannin (found in tea and coffee), phytin (found in rice, soy flour), milk and cottage cheese due to its high calcium content. Since the absorption of iron from food is limited, drug therapy for anemia is the mainstay.
The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a global study between 1993 and 2005, which showed that 24.4% of all inhabitants of the globe suffer from various forms of anemia. Anemia most often occurs in preschool children (47% of the general population), pregnant women (41.8%) and non-pregnant women of childbearing age (30.2%). In the structure of anemia: 37% is iron deficiency anemia, 27% is anemia due to chronic diseases (CD).
Among women of fertile age, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) occupies a leading position. Anemic syndrome is the most common hematological syndrome encountered in clinical practice. Anemia is not a diagnosis, but only a syndrome that requires a special differential diagnostic algorithm.
WHO research indicates that IDA is the third most common cause of temporary disability in women aged 15–44 years. Along with IDA itself, there is a hidden iron deficiency, which in Europe and Russia is 30–40%, in some regions – 50–60%. According to WHO, iron deficiency is determined in 20–25% of all infants, 43% in children under 4 years of age and up to 50% in adolescents (girls). Thus, the most common anemias both in Belarus and in other countries are IDA and ACD. Anemia is a leading factor in the deterioration of a patient’s well-being; according to rough estimates, it affects 2.4 billion of the world’s population.
The main reasons for the development of iron deficiency anemia are: blood loss (heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, childbirth, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, kidney disease); iron absorption disorders (resection of the stomach and intestines, pancreatic insufficiency, celiac enteropathy, Crohn's disease); increased need for iron (rapid growth, premature babies, newborns, adolescents, pregnancy and lactation); insufficient dietary intake (vegetarian or vegan diet).
It must be remembered that IDA is the final stage of severe iron deficiency, in which erythropoiesis (hematopoiesis) decreases and, as a result, the hemoglobin content decreases.
There are three stages of iron deficiency:
- prelatent;
- latent;
- manifest.
Prelatent iron deficiency is characterized by a decrease in microelement reserves without a decrease in iron consumption for erythropoiesis. Latent iron deficiency is observed when the microelement reserves in the depot are completely depleted, but there are no signs of the development of anemia. Manifest iron deficiency, or iron deficiency anemia (IDA), occurs when the hemoglobin pool of iron decreases and has characteristic symptoms. A decrease in serum ferritin concentration below 12 μg/L in healthy children and 15 μg/L in adults, adjusted below 30 μg/L in children and 70 μg/L in adults with infectious or inflammatory diseases, means an inevitable decrease in hemoglobin concentration in the future.
Treatment of iron deficiency anemia. The principles of treatment of IDA include the following:
- the effect cannot be achieved with diet alone;
- Iron supplements are prescribed mainly orally, before meals;
- An improvement in the general blood test does not mean that the body’s iron supply has been restored;
- After normalization of hemoglobin levels, iron intake should be continued for another 1–2 months. with a reduction in the daily dose by half to fill the depot.
The basis of pathogenetic therapy for IDA is the use of iron supplements orally. Treatment with iron supplements should be long-term and depend on the initial severity of anemia (hemoglobin level and iron deficiency).
At the outpatient stage, treatment is carried out when the hemoglobin level is >80 g/l and the patient’s general condition is satisfactory. Oral administration of iron-containing drugs at a dose of 200-300 mg/day for 4-6 weeks until hemoglobin levels normalize, after which the drug continues at a dose of 100 mg/day for 2-3 months until the ferritin level is at least 40 μg/l. It is necessary to find the cause of iron deficiency and eliminate the cause of iron deficiency - this is treatment of the underlying disease that caused iron deficiency.
Principles for choosing an iron supplement for therapy
Currently, oral iron preparations are divided into two main groups: ionic and nonionic (the latter are represented by the protein and hydroxypolymaltose complex of ferrous iron).
Ionic preparations are represented by salts of 2-valent iron, including iron sulfate (ferrofol, tardiferon, ferroplex, sorbifer, ferro-foil, etc.); ferric chloride (hemofer); polysaccharide compounds - gluconate-fumarate combinations (heferol, ferronal, megaferrin). Ferrous chelates (citrate, lactate, gluconate, succinate) are better absorbed than ferrous sulfate. In case of intolerance to salt preparations of ferrous iron, which are currently the most effective in treating anemia and replenishing iron depots, it is possible to use nonionic preparations of ferrous iron in the form of a hydroxypolymaltose complex (maltofer, biofer, ferrum lek, etc.).
When choosing a drug and the optimal dosage regimen, it is necessary to remember that an adequate increase in hemoglobin levels in IDA can be ensured by the intake of 30 to 100 mg of ferrous iron into the body. Considering that with the development of IDA, iron absorption increases by 25–30% (with normal iron reserves in the body - only 3–7%), 100 to 300 mg of ferrous iron per day is prescribed. The use of higher doses does not make sense, since iron absorption does not increase. The degree of absorption of 2-valent iron salts is several times higher than that of 3-valent iron, therefore preparations containing 2-valent iron give a quick effect and normalize hemoglobin levels on average after 1–2 months, and normalization of iron levels in the depot occurs after 3 –4 months from the start of treatment and depends on the severity of anemia and the dose of the drug. Longer use of drugs containing iron in the 3-valent state is required; in case of copper deficiency in the body, they will be ineffective. Normalization of hemoglobin levels during treatment with a ferric iron preparation will occur only after 2–4 months, and replenishment of iron deficiency in the depot will occur after 5–7 months from the start of therapy. The degree of absorption is also reflected in the incidence of side effects. The undesirable effect of solid forms of iron preparations (tablets, capsules) on the gastrointestinal mucosa can be reduced by taking them with meals, but this reduces the absorption of iron.
When taking the drugs in a sufficient dose, an increase in the number of reticulocytes is observed on the 7-10th day from the start of treatment. Normalization of hemoglobin levels is observed after 3–4 weeks from the start of treatment, and in some cases it lasts up to 6–8 weeks. The total duration of treatment depends on the initial severity of anemia. Standard terms for ferrotherapy of IDA: for mild severity - 4-6 weeks, for moderate severity - 8-12 weeks, for severe severity - 16 weeks or more. When using ferrotherapy drugs internally, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, constipation most often occur (since iron binds hydrogen sulfide, which is a physiological stimulant of motility), less often - diarrhea, a metallic taste in the mouth, staining of the mucous membranes and teeth black, allergic reactions , headache. These side effects lead to frequent refusal of treatment by patients.
The bioavailability of divalent iron salts is several times higher than that of trivalent iron salts, since they diffuse freely through the channels of DMT1 proteins and ferroportin. The pharmacological effect of the drugs is rapid, and normalization of hemoglobin levels occurs on average after 2 weeks - 2 months, and replenishment of iron stores occurs within 3-4 months from the start of treatment, depending on the severity of anemia and the dosage of the drug. Therefore, WHO recommends ferrous iron preparations as initial therapy for iron deficiency anemia. The absorption of ions from ferric iron preparations is slower, since active (energy-dependent) transformation with the participation of ferrooxidases is required. Therefore, such drugs require longer use, and in case of copper deficiency in the body they will not be effective at all.
The medicinal product Ferrofol produced by Minskintercaps Unitary Enterprise
contains in one capsule 50 mg of iron (II) sulfate and 500 mcg of folic acid.
Using Ferrofol in an average daily dosage of 1 capsule 2-3 times a day 1 hour before meals (100-150 mg per day), the goal of treating iron deficiency anemia is achieved - the introduction of iron in the amount necessary to normalize hemoglobin levels, complies with WHO recommendations on optimal therapeutic dose. The drug Ferrofol meets the basic requirements for treatment with iron supplements:
- sufficient elemental iron content in the preparation;
- the use of ferrous sulfate, which provides the greatest bioavailability;
- administration of folic acid, which plays an important role in hematopoiesis, with an iron supplement; the lack of these vitamins causes a disruption of DNA synthesis in hematopoietic cells, which negatively affects the rate of hemoglobin synthesis.
Advantages of the drug Ferrofol:
is produced in the form of long-acting capsules, the active ingredients are contained in pellets (microgranules), which ensure their absorption in the upper part of the small intestine, and therefore there is no local irritant effect on the gastric mucosa, which ensures good gastrointestinal tolerability. The use of pellets in Ferrofol capsules allows you to isolate the active substances from each other - folic acid and iron in one finished form. Folic acid increases DNA synthesis in hematopoietic cells, which has a positive effect on the rate of hemoglobin synthesis, which means faster relief of anemia.
The drug Ferrofol is indicated for the prevention of latent iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia, especially during pregnancy.
Prevention of iron deficiency anemia and latent iron deficiency is indicated for patients at risk, which include:
- pregnant women and during lactation;
- women with an interval between pregnancies of less than 2 years;
- ongoing or recurrent bleeding of a person with hereditary hemorrhagic hemostasiopathies;
- persons with chronic kidney disease with established iron deficiency;
- persons with blood ferritin levels less than 30 mcg/l (tissue iron deficiency);
- women with menstruation lasting more than 5 days.
Ferrofol is a combination drug that replenishes the deficiency of iron and folic acid in the body.
Capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. The capsule must not be dissolved, chewed or kept in the mouth.
Administration is carried out before or during meals, depending on gastrointestinal tolerance.
There are medical contraindications and adverse reactions.
BEFORE USING THE MEDICINE, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS
Price
The wide spectrum of action of the dietary supplement Spirulina is due to the fact that it contains a large number of amino acids, as well as vitamin-protein and mineral substances. Doctors recommend taking the drug to reduce tissue oxygen demand, normalize digestion and improve general condition.
In the presence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, unicellular algae powder restores the natural intestinal microflora. The drug also improves the functioning of the thyroid gland and increases the protective functions of the immune system. When used regularly, the dietary supplement helps cope with vitamin, protein and mineral deficiencies.
Spirulina in powder form costs from 90 to 513 rubles. The drug is well tolerated, since the likelihood of adverse reactions when taking it is practically excluded.
Where is the best place to buy spirulina?
Spirulina algae must be grown in a controlled environment because wild waters can be contaminated with heavy metals, bacteria or liver-damaging substances called microcystins.
For this reason, I avoid domestic and unknown spirulina, which is most often sold in pharmacies. I order it exclusively on the website iherb.com, giving preference to world-famous manufacturers.
Here are my favorites, I will give some examples of spirulina in tablets and powder.
