i need extra iron in my diet.
[{"role": "system", "content": "Iron supplements, also known as iron salts and iron pills, are a number of iron formulations used to treat and prevent iron deficiency including iron deficiency anemia. For prevention they are only recommended in those with poor absorption, heavy menstrual periods, pregnancy, hemodialysis, or a diet low in iron. Prevention may also be used in low birth weight babies. They are taken by mouth, injection into a vein, or injection into a muscle. While benefits may be seen in days up to two months may be required until iron levels return to normal. Common side effects include constipation, abdominal pain, dark stools, and diarrhea. Other side effects, which may occur with excessive use, include iron overload and iron toxicity. Ferrous salts used as supplements by mouth include ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, ferrous succinate, and ferrous sulfate. Injectable forms include iron dextran and iron sucrose. They work by providing the iron needed for making red blood cells. Iron has been used medically since at least 1681 with an easy to use formulation being created in 1832. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most effective and safe medicines needed in a health system.\n"}, {"role": "user", "content": "I really should start taking iron supplements, I bruise so easliy"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "For prevention they are recommended for people with poor absorption."}, {"role": "user", "content": "I wonder if supplements would be better, or just a diet higher in iron."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "In the United States supplements are actually a subset of foods and regulated as well."}, {"role": "user", "content": "I have heard though, that most supplements are not digested, and that we absorb better through our food."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "That's true, although they can provide nutrients and extracts from food."}, {"role": "user", "content": "That's something to consider, maybe just research the supplement first."}, {"role": "assistant", "content": "Right, and they're also sold individually and in combination.  They're able to be combined with specific nutrient ingredients."}]