How to increase my iron absorption???

allergictodiets
allergictodiets Posts: 233 Member
edited February 4 in Food and Nutrition
I'm 38, have an under-functioning thyroid ( Hashimoto's ) and struggle with my iron levels. I take 50 mcg pills daily ( at bedtime, since I have to take my thyroid meds in the morning ) and still have ferritin levels about 30 ( 20 - 200 is the norm ). I try to watch what and when I eat ( tea, coffee, dairy products etc ), force myself to eat beef and other meats about 4 times a week, eat pulses ( lentils, kidney beans etc. ) regularly but still nothing.
Could anyone give me any tips?

Replies

  • yarwell
    yarwell Posts: 10,477 Member
    Do you take vitamin C with the iron ? It helps absorption. Don't wash it down with coffee or tea though as they do the reverse.

    There are some more complex preparations like https://www.vitabiotics.com/feroglobin/ to consider

    Do you have a wheat or gluten sensitivity ? I was tested for that as part of my anaemia investigation.
  • allergictodiets
    allergictodiets Posts: 233 Member
    Do you take vitamin C with the iron ? It helps absorption. Don't wash it down with coffee or tea though as they do the reverse.

    There are some more complex preparations like https://www.vitabiotics.com/feroglobin/ to consider

    Do you have a wheat or gluten sensitivity ? I was tested for that as part of my anaemia investigation.

    Normally I wash it down with water.. I'll try taking it with some juice.
    I haven't been tested yet, but I do not have the typical symptoms.
  • jadedhippo
    jadedhippo Posts: 95 Member
    Vitamin C
  • allergictodiets
    allergictodiets Posts: 233 Member
    Do you use organic or synthetic Vit C? Does it make any difference?
  • benol1
    benol1 Posts: 878 Member
    I agree with the vitamin C. However, I don't recommend taking juice. Eat a whole orange (or other citrus), black currants, blue berries or other vit c sources in their whole form.
    Also, I recommend that you consume red lentils and leafy-green (cruciferous) vegetables such as spinach, bok choi and kale.
    All the best,

    Ben .
  • sunsetzen
    sunsetzen Posts: 268 Member
    Dark green leafy veg and organ meats are high in iron, but like others have said, you need vitamin C to absorb iron sufficiently.

    I always try to take in vitamins and minerals in food and avoid the pills, synthetic or not. Too many rules (fat soluble, water soluble, some vitamins cancel others out when taken together, etc).
  • baptiste565
    baptiste565 Posts: 590 Member
    dont drink too much milk
  • MityMax96
    MityMax96 Posts: 5,778 Member
    I think spinach is supposed to be a good source of iron.
    Try including that in your diet twice a day.
  • Shellz31
    Shellz31 Posts: 214 Member
    I agree with the vitamin C. However, I don't recommend taking juice. Eat a whole orange (or other citrus), black currants, blue berries or other vit c sources in their whole form.
    Also, I recommend that you consume red lentils and leafy-green (cruciferous) vegetables such as spinach, bok choi and kale.
    All the best,

    Ben .

    Completely agree and I LOVE red lentils!
  • rhileyschubbygranny
    rhileyschubbygranny Posts: 145 Member
    I am a severe anemic and on the borderline of needing transfusions for it. My doc has me drinking orange juice with my iron supplements and when eating foods that are high in iron. Food itself such as beans, beef, spinach etc are helpful but you really need to eat a TON of it and inconjuction with orange juice. It take approx 4-6 weeks for the body to replenish any iron it may has lost so if you are a female and still have periods you should take an iron supplement. CVS brand has a good slow releasing one that doesn't upset the stomach like most others do. Check out the web on iron definceny to get this whole foods w/iron & drinking orange juice thing explained to you better.
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