Iron supplement?

89Madeline
89Madeline Posts: 205 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Hi guys,

I started on a low-FODMAP diet to cope with my IBS symptoms and have seen a significant improvement in how I feel since I started, last week. However, with that also comes tiredness. I'd been experiencing that for quite a bit, looked at MFP diary and noticed I barely touch 20% of the recommend daily intake of iron. Now, I know a lot of food registered in the database doesn't have the iron added when it actually should, but I still think I'm not getting enough because I don't eat a lot of grains at the moment (gluten free, in low-fodmap) and I barely eat red meat or fish. I can increase the latter, but red meat is usually high in fat where I live and fish is not of good quality here. I'm therefore thinking of taking a iron supplement, nothing too high though. Any experiences?

I notice the tiredness generally throughout the day, but I have less concentration, get sleepy between 15-17 (really sleepy) and running is also going not as good as it did before.

Ps. I'd like to talk to a doctor/dietician about it, but I'm an expat here, making doctors visit quite expensive so I try to avoid it for "general" questions like this. If you think it's something you really should not take without consulting a doctor, also let me know!

Replies

  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    I say get a blood test, perhaps an expanded metabolic test. This will rule out everything or even rule in something that may not be iron related.

    I cannot advice you on a medical condition and this includes an iron deficiency or other.. You symptoms can be a slew of things and could be nothing other than taking daily vitamin, but why not take your health and put it first and not guesstimate. The test only takes 5 minutes. I just had one last week my self.
  • isulo_kura
    isulo_kura Posts: 818 Member
    As you say yourself MFP is not an accurate way to measure Iron. Mine frequently say less than 10% and I had my bloods done recently and my levels are fine. Most entries don't even mention this. Too much Iron can be dangerous as much as you say it's expensive if you have real concerns you need to speak to a medical professional
  • coral_b
    coral_b Posts: 264 Member
    I followed FODMAP. It's hard when so much veg is cut out! I used spa tone liquid for iron, gave me a boost but definitely get a blood test. With IBS the gut can be damaged and doesn't always absorb nutrients correctly. I need vitamin D and iron. Add me if you want support with IBS I am now mostly symptom free and have reintroduced all the main things. Good luck x
  • 89Madeline
    89Madeline Posts: 205 Member
    Thanks coral_b, will definitely add you :)

    I will get a blood test. I'll be in my home country next week so maybe I can check with my doctor there, would make things much easier. The thing is here, it's not only expensive but the english isn't always good enough :(
  • paperpudding
    paperpudding Posts: 9,311 Member
    umm, thread is from March 2015 - OP has not posted since Dec 2015

    Dont think she is interested in your product somehow. :*
  • kshama2001
    kshama2001 Posts: 28,052 Member
    edited March 2020
    paperpudding wrote: »
    umm, thread is from March 2015 - OP has not posted since Dec 2015

    Dont think she is interested in your product somehow. :*

    The mods must have zapped a spammy post - now you look like the one who resurrected this old thread :lol:

    But to anyone interested in the topic, I'm anemic and yes, there are lots of errors for iron entries in the MFP database, and yes, get a blood test before supplementing with iron as too much is problematic as well.
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