Iron mixture is a system wherein iron is conveyed to your body intravenously, which means into a vein through a needle. This strategy for conveying medicine or supplementation is otherwise called an intravenous (IV) implantation. Iron mixtures are generally recommended by specialists to treat iron inadequacy frailty. Oral iron supplements are an inexpensive, generally safe, and simple way to treat iron deficiency. Because iron is best absorbed from the duodenum and proximal jejunum, time released and enteric coated preparations are not very effective, and they are also much more costly. Ascorbic acid increases the absorbability of non-heme iron. Taking 250 mg of vitamin C with iron supplement is therefore advisable. Phytates, oxalates, carbonates, calcium, and tannins, found in foods such as cereals, dietary fiber, tea, coffee, eggs, and milk, interfere with iron absorption; therefore, iron supplements should not be taken with food. Antacids also interfere with iron absorption, and should be given several hours prior to or after taking iron supplements. Antibiotics also interfere with iron absorption. Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects are common (10% to 20% of patients report GI side effects) with conventional iron supplements (see Botanical Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia for herbal alternatives). Constipation is a common complaint, as are nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea. Elemental iron in the forms of ferrous sulfate, ferrous fumarate, or ferrous gluconate may be substituted with ferrous sulfate elixir, a liquid preparation that may cause fewer GI symptoms. Improvement can usually be observed starting approximately 7 days after the onset of iron supplementation. Also, though a less effective therapy, iron supplements may be taken with meals to avoid discomfort. The various forms of iron commonly used therapeutically appear to be equally effective.