Taking Iron Supplements?

skinnytayy
skinnytayy Posts: 459
in Food and Nutrition
I've been tracking my iron for some time now because I have some symptoms of iron deficiency. From tracking, I've found that I typically get about 1/4 of the recommended daily amount. I don't think there is a single day where I've gotten the recommended amount. So I got some Fergon iron supplements which contain 27mg of iron which is 9mg more then the recommended amount for women my age. My question is, should I be taking the supplement or no? I know this is probably something that should be discussed with a doctor but I don't have the time/transportation to go so I figured I'd ask here. I just don't want to be overdoing it on the iron, though I realize its difficult for adults to overdose on it. I'm naturally paranoid about medicine.:ohwell:

Replies

  • aepdx
    aepdx Posts: 218 Member
    Definitely take it. You need to make sure when you take the supplement that you are taking it near a time you are ingesting vitamin C too. I get a lot of iron every day, but I also eat things that hinder absorption, therefore I still have iron-deficiency anemia. I take a ferrous sulphate tablet as well as eat iron rich foods every day. Look up “iron-deficiency” so you know how to properly ingest the iron.

    A phenomenal way to get iron is to eat a bowl of fortified cereal (I like Bran Flakes because it has 100% iron) with a glass of OJ, or just some fruit. I try to do it every morning.
  • phillipakj
    phillipakj Posts: 10 Member
    I don't see anything wrong with taking the iron tablets. I once went to a doctor here in Germany complaining about being lighthearted and he prescribed some iron supplements which were 31mg. If a doctor can just give you those without any tests then I think its OK to take the supplements if you feel you are not getting enough iron. I used them for more than a month without any problems. I just made sure I take the tablets with lots of water. I had stopped taking them but now am feeling light headed again, so am starting to take mine again.
  • BleedsCoffee
    BleedsCoffee Posts: 247 Member
    There are actually some precautions when it comes to taking iron supplements. Constipation and upset stomach are common symptoms for those that consistently take high dosages. If you feel that you need to do so, you may require a stool softener so as not to experience utter misery.

    Personally, I have always been VERY iron deficient and I have actually learned that taking a daily multi-vitamin with a low dosage of iron in it for the majority of the month and 50mg of Ferrous Sulfate when I'm menstruating have resulted in me having ideal hemoglobin levels. I donated blood yesterday and my hemoglobin was 151 (140 - 180 are considered "normal"). Do yourself a favour and take it easy. Find out what works for you instead of taking what the bottle says.
  • redheadmommy
    redheadmommy Posts: 908 Member
    Take them! Most women have a bit deficiency anyway plus childbirth and breastfeeding are extremely demanding. I hate taking iron supplement because they cause me digestive issues, but I take them anyway. Last time during breastfeeding my iron plummet to a level that I had hard time to stay awake for a full day. When my Dr saw my blood result , he said that my iron is not low , but it almost not existent. The upsetting fact is that red cross let me donate blood with that low level of iron...
    Lesson learnt , during BFing an iron supplement is a must, and no blood donation.
  • ShaunDen
    ShaunDen Posts: 16 Member
    Absolutely take them I have an iron deficiency and I was taking 3 a day every 8hrs as prescribed by my Dr. now I take a prenatal vitamin everyday(No I'm not pregnant nor have I ever been pregnant) it has better Iron for me personally I love taking 1pill per day bcuz most days I forget to take 3:/ Make sure you take some kind of stool softener or up your B12 vitamin or you will be constipated though:/ Also try to eat more iron rich foods that will help also:) Good Luck Hun:)
  • fittocycle
    fittocycle Posts: 827 Member
    You really should check with your doctor before taking an iron supplement.

    You should have your iron levels monitored with routine blood work before starting an iron supplement.

    Too much iron can be dangerous for your body.
    I've had low iron levels for years and take an iron supplement under the direction of my doctor, who checks my iron levels every six months.
  • DirtyTrickster
    DirtyTrickster Posts: 202 Member
    I can understand yiu mot being abke to hit your daily intake. I cant either and i only need 8mg.

    Some things ive found if you want to stay away from pills:

    Cook your food in an iron skillet.

    Eat canned clams (yuck)

    As suggested earlier, fortified foods.

    Dark greens and legumes.


    Red meat etc.
  • megsmom2
    megsmom2 Posts: 2,362 Member
    Hemochromatosis runs in my family...my brother died from years of damage from it... so no iron supplements for me. Ever. It isn't an issue for women who are still having periods, but past menopause, it could be a problem.

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