A: It may take months to rebuild iron stores, so you will have to be patient for recovery.
To get the most benefit from your iron supplement, be sure to take the supplement on an empty stomach, and do not take the supplement with other supplements. A glass of orange juice with it can boost absorption.
As far as dietary iron goes, heme iron is found in meat, fish or poultry. The other form of iron is non-heme iron, which is found in the meats mentioned, but also in eggs, grains, vegetables and fruits. Non-heme iron is not absorbed as well as heme iron, though, so if you are not a vegetarian, try to consume heme iron sources as well as non-heme sources.
In addition, avoid drinking large amounts of tea or coffee with meals, as they may decrease iron absorption.
