Instructions

• 1). Take iron supplements with a full glass of water either one hour before or two hours after a full meal. In order to eliminate possible side effects, swallow the supplement whole as opposed to chewing or crushing the pill.
  
  
• 2). Take the supplement with food or right after meals if your stomach gets upset. Make sure that you still take it with a full glass of water to assist in the digesting process.
  
  
• 3). Adhere to your doctor's recommended dosage to avoid an overdose. If you believe you have taken too much iron, immediately contact the poison control center. The recommended dosage for an adolescent with anemia, according to the CDC, is approximately 60mg of elemental iron 1 to 2 times a day; however, doctors will typically prescribe higher amounts for some adults or in severe cases of anemia.