Iron

My iron was low too (8), and I have been on Fefol supplements (elemental iron 87.4mg) for nearly 6 months. As far as I know, it has no effect on appetite or metabolism. It has greatly improved my journey as I felt horrid trying to run five times a week with such low iron stores! It is now better at 45 last time I had it checked. My Dr and dietitian want it over 100 before I reduce supplementation to my TOM only. I am pescatarian (eat fish only, no red or white meat) so struggle to get adequate iron through diet alone. You need iron for oxygen transportation around your body, so focus on improving your levels as opposed to worrying about how it will affect your weight.

Also, it can be very binding, hence my lower dose, higher doses make me constipated, so watch out for that. Good luck!

My symptoms also included severe exhaustion, shortness of breath & coldness. No panic attacks, however, I have been on a low dose anti-depressant for years, so that has relieved most of my anxiety, along with good diet & exercise! Fingers crossed your symptoms will subside quickly once your supplement kicks in!

Suggestion: cook in cast iron. Especially with acidic foods like tomato sauce, and longer cooking foods like soups, the iron is painlessly added to your diet. May not solve the problem, but will sure help. My iron levels are always spectacular after being aenemic as a kid.