Can I take iron tablets every day?

Q: I am a 24-year-old female. I have been prescribed iron tablets by my doctor. I take a 200 mg tablet twice a day. Is it okay to take iron tablets daily? How much orange juice should I take for vitamin C to avoid constipation and stomach uneasiness?

A:Iron (such as ferrous sulphate) is to be taken only if you are suffering from iron deficiency anaemia. One tablet of dried ferrous sulphate 200 mg contains 65 mg of elemental iron, which is more than sufficient per day. Surprisingly, iron tablets can cause constipation in some and diarrhoea in others. It is better to take oranges rather than orange juice so that you have also adequate amount of fibre. You can take 2-3 oranges a day.