We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Iron supplements question

Francl27
Francl27 Posts: 26,368 Member
edited November 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I have low iron anemia and my doctor asked me to take supplements. However, I am extremely confused because the supplements I found give 65mg... which according to MFP is 360% of the requirements. Some google search told me that iron requirements for women my age are 18mg a day, and that it's not recommended to have over 45mg a day.

I'm extremely confused. Tracking Iron on MFP, I typically end up at 30-40%... Should I just aim for one supplement every 3 days or something?

Replies

  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    In your situation, I think I would call my doctor and ask them exactly what they had in mind. The upper recommendation *may* not apply to someone who is already anemic.
  • janet6567
    janet6567 Posts: 129 Member
    Definitely check with your doctor about this. Too much iron is almost as bad as not enough.
  • RuNaRoUnDaFiEld
    RuNaRoUnDaFiEld Posts: 5,864 Member
    I'd not take over 14mg without speaking to a Dr.
  • stealthq
    stealthq Posts: 4,298 Member
    Ask your Dr for a starting amount. With anemia, you should get regular tests to check your response and dose should be tailored to that over time.
  • moesis
    moesis Posts: 874 Member
    Give you doc a call and ask him. I'm surprised that you they didn't tell you how much to take.
  • annacole94
    annacole94 Posts: 994 Member
    Different types of iron are absorbed differently by the body.
    http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/oral-iron-supplementation

    A pharmacist should be able to help you pick an appropriate supplement.

This discussion has been closed.

Categories