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 making me sick?

lessofme43
lessofme43 Posts: 139 Member
edited February 6 in Food and Nutrition
I started iron supplements about a month ago at the advice of my doctor. While I have been fighting a cold/flu for the last couple of weeks, I'm starting to wonder if my sensitive stomach is partially due to the iron. Did some research online, thinking maybe I shouldtake it at a different time of day than at breakfast with all my other supplements. Anybody have similar experiences, advice?

Replies

  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    I remember with my prenatals, I tried to take them with a snack, just before bed, so I'd hopefully sleep through any adverse effects. I took iron as well, I think I also took them at bed. I also think you can get iron supplements that are slow release or slow digesting or something. I feel like that's what I took when pg, but I can't fully remember now, that was almost 5 years ago.
  • callie006
    callie006 Posts: 151 Member
    If I take anything with iron in the morning, I feel really nauseous. A few years ago, I was actually worried I was pregnant when I did not want to be because I was queasy every morning, but it was the iron in my multi vitamin. I now take it at night, and it's better. I had to experiment though to find a good time to take it. Technically, you should take an iron supplement on an empty stomach for maximum absorption, but a lot of people do need some food in their stomachs to be able to tolerate it.
  • erinleigh1128
    erinleigh1128 Posts: 7 Member
    I cannot take anything with iron. When I do take my daily vitamin I have to take it half way through eating or I get sick.I feel really nauseous.
  • bunnybutler29
    bunnybutler29 Posts: 291
    Taking iron in the evening when going to bed is a good idea. Remember to take it with vitamin c though, because that is what helps your body absorb it. I have very bad anemia problems, did I say very bad? Cuz its bad.
  • tavenne323
    tavenne323 Posts: 332 Member
    A year ago my doctor wanted me to start taking a separate iron supplement. After a year of over-the-counter supplements my iron levels were not going up or down. So she put me on a prescription iron supplement. And I've noticed the last two months since taking it that I sometimes feel nauseous the rest of the day. And can't eat anything. I never throw, but no food sounds good. Is there any kind of food that you notice that makes you nauseous when taking iron supplements? Yesterday I ate an orange with it and felt fine all day. Today I ate a grapefruit with it and have felt sick all day. If I don't eat anything with it I get constipated. I may switch to taking it at night and see if that makes a difference.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories