Floridix is a liquid iron gluconate supplement that also contains various B vitamins, vitamin C and some herbs. Most iron supplements are available in pill form as iron fumarate or iron sulfate. Iron deficiency can have serious consequences, so patients who suspect they need a supplement should speak with their doctors. Iron deficiency can be detected with a blood test.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency
Symptoms of iron deficiency include lethargy, exhaustion, shortness of breath, decreased immune system function, slowed cognitive and social development, difficulty maintaining body temperature and an inability to focus. Because they develop so quickly, infants and children are prone to iron deficiency. Menstruation, pregnancy and breast-feeding use valuable blood stores and make women more likely to be deficient in iron. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, iron from meat is two to three times more absorbent than other forms of iron, so vegetarians benefit from iron supplementation as well.
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Claims
The Floradix label claims it is 25 more absorbent than other iron supplements because of its liquid plant base. It also contains vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption. Because it is plant-based, it is not constipating like other iron supplements. Research supports these claims. A 2002 study performed at the Heidelberg Women's University Department of Natural Medicine found that after only four weeks of floradix supplementation, blood iron levels significantly increased with only minimal side effects.
Usage
According to the vitamin label, Floradix can safely be taken by children as young as 4 years of age. Children ages 4 to 11 should drink 10 ml once daily before a meal, and adults should drink 10 ml twice daily before meals. People who take Floradix should do so under the advisement of their doctor.
Benefits
Iron builds blood. When people have more blood, they have more energy. They build muscle and use oxygen more efficiently, enabling heightened physical and mental function.
Warnings
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, "accidental overdose of iron-containing products is a leading cause of fatal poisoning in children under 6." Parents who suspect iron overdose should contact poison control immediately. If symptoms do not improve upon taking Floradix, patients should speak to their doctors. A sustained iron deficiency can signal an underlying problem.