Iron supplements question

Francl27
Francl27 Posts: 26,371 Member
edited November 17 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.

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