When should I take my iron supplement?
Q. I have anemia and my doctor gave me iron pills to take? Are there any side effects from iron pills? Should I take them on an empty stomach? Can I take them with my multivitamin?
A. All good questions that I would hope your doctor and/or pharmacists would have answered for you but perhaps they didn't occur to you until you got home. Here's the skinny on iron supplements:
The most common side effect of iron supplements is nausea and/or constipation. The best way to avoid nausea is to take your iron supplement with a meal. However, you may want to avoid taking it with a meal that contains legumes (beans) as these contain phytates that can reduce iron absorption. Coffee, tea, and wine all contain polyphenols that also block iron absorption. It's fine to take iron with your multivitamin. The vitamin C and copper contained in your multi will actually help enhance iron absorption.
 older posts |
home | newer posts  |
| Is there any nutrition in strawberry tops? | | Nutrition Data Blog | | My diet is super healthy! How can it be inflammatory? |
Posted by: anna | Nov 8, 2009 10:52:53 AM
yes there is a chewable iron tablet that u can get from the vitamin shoppe by Natures Plus and it is high potency chewable Iron with vitamin C and herbs in it is all Natural it is supposed to be really good my nutritionist recommended it.
Posted by: Dorothy | Nov 3, 2009 4:46:22 PM
Dallas: You may want to contact a hematologist for blood work. That is there specialty. Lorie: Did you get any response regarding the OJ? I am taking the same thing you are and I am having the same results. I'm actually being sent to a gastroentorologist because I have Crohn's. We'll see what happens.
Posted by: blueydemermaid | Oct 26, 2009 2:27:54 PM
You shouldn't take iron and calcium together or iron and zinc this combination can prevent absorption of iron. Your best bet is to do like I do...I have anemia. Take your iron w/ a sublingual B-complex along with vitamin C both aid in absorption of iron. Unfortunately I do this on an empty stomach. It is tolerable but it does give you an upset tummy. Calcium also is essential to those suffering anemia. So either take 2 hours before or after you take your iron. Calcium is better in small doses throughout the day. I split my calcium to 2 times a day and on my second dose which is in the evening I take w/ vitamin D and my second dose of vitamin C which also aids in absorption of calcium
Posted by: aster | Sep 13, 2009 6:07:39 AM
on may my doctor prescribed for me ferrous suplphate 200mg to treate my anemia i took the tablet for one month and after that i take the tablet 3x a week. this day my hair extremly start foling is it to do with my anemic or did i took 2 much of the tablet please can you help thanks
Posted by: Miss J | Sep 9, 2009 5:45:59 PM
A month ago the total iron is only 22 and ref. range should be from 35-155 ug/dl. No wonder why I feel so tired. Three(3) weeks ago I started taking floradix iron & herbs and when I had another CBC lab work done last week my iron increase to 73 ug/dl. this Floradiz works for me. No constapation, no bloating and it gives me energy. It also has higher absorption because of Vitamin C and B's that added. I have not feel any sife effect. This is the best iron supplement that I have ever tried. Good luck to all!
Posted by: Sandy | Sep 1, 2009 2:14:12 PM
I take iron pills daily as prescribed by my doctor for the last 6 to 8 months. Lately I have been feeling tired laggartic and bloated. Are these signs that I have too much iron in my system now?
Posted by: Kim | Aug 25, 2009 10:18:36 AM
Vanessa:
I was on Floradix too from the health food store, but I discontinued because there wasn't a correct dosage for elemental iron. I wasn't sure how much I was really getting. It takes awhile to reach your goal. You also have to take into account what interactions there are such as coffee, etc. I know take palafer 3 times a day.
Posted by: tia | Aug 19, 2009 2:55:09 PM
Posted by: Jana | Jun 30, 2008 12:00:27 PM
I have been chronically anemic for most of my life. I take a prescription iron capsule (88 mg of elemental iron in gel form) that I have found to work for me. A nutritionist also advised me to take sublingual B12 (500 to 1000mcg) with the iron to enhance absorption. My MD suggested I also take it with a glass of O.J. although that can wreak havoc on my stomach sometimes. I also avoid eating eggs within an hour after taking the iron (per package insert
** just wondering..why are u avoiding eating eggs? is there any circumstances that eggs will decrease the absorption of iron?
Posted by: Barbara | Jul 23, 2009 3:48:14 PM
My husband is anemic and had diabetes.He is taking iron pills three times a day. Could he take multivitamins.
Posted by: B'ham | Jun 15, 2009 7:08:52 PM
To Dallas:
Go to an Endocrinologist. My thyroid disease was misdiagnosed for many years. I have graves disease which is OK if treated.
Posted by: Tamy Nelson | Apr 28, 2009 2:50:46 PM
I have anemia and am on iron pills, and my stomach hurts often, could the iron be whats doing that to me?
Posted by: Petro | Apr 18, 2009 6:52:39 AM
I had a historectomy and was told by my gyne to take iron tablets. I'm taking eltroxin for underactive thyroid. I'm scared to get constipated. What do I do? Please help. I became constipated after the historectomy and felt terrable.
Posted by: vanessa | Apr 10, 2009 8:30:13 PM
Thanks for all of your comments and help. I just started taking floradix iron and I have heartburn all day long. How long does it take until I see a rise in my blood count? My eyes are so weak and pale.
Posted by: Lorie | Mar 24, 2009 9:08:53 PM
I have to take 325mg of ferrous sulfate 3X a day for extreme anemia.
Only problem is that it seems to make me have to have bowel movements more, not diarrhea; just have to go!
Would OJ help with this?
Posted by: Rachel | Mar 12, 2009 1:09:53 PM
in regards to my iron, i made a mistake I meant to say "It is NOW 11.5" not it is "NOT" 11.5 sorry
Posted by: Rachel | Mar 12, 2009 1:08:26 PM
After a ERCP to repair my spinctor of oddi, I suffered internal bleeding that lead to anemia. I lost half the blood in my body. My hemog was 13 then after the surgery it was 7. I took iron for a couple months and it is not 11.5 my question is this, right before my period now I get so weak and tired I feel like im going to die. Im thinking it may be due to my period coming. If I took iron 65mg does anyone know if it will hurt me to do so even though my blood level was pretty normal? Do you actually loose blood before you start your period, does anyone know?
Posted by: Enza | Mar 3, 2009 7:42:38 PM
I have just started taking iron pills Euro-Fer 300 mg 2 times a day. I also take thyroid med for underactive thyroid condition. Will these interact with each other? And what should I watch out for.
Monica's Response: as a general rule, it's best to avoid taking iron or any other vitamin or over the counter medications within four hours of taking thyroid medicine but please check with the physician that prescribes your medication about any interactions with other medications and nutritional supplements.
Posted by: bill folakchicago | Feb 26, 2009 3:49:44 PM
I ,AM CHRONIC ANEMIC i have every problem above but i can't take any medsi gag on them .has any one used any chewable iron tablets ?
Posted by: dallas | Feb 21, 2009 1:19:21 PM
Hello,
I was wondering if I could please get some imput. Im having a lot of symtoms of hypothyroidism. I got my blood work taken and my doctor says its fine. I have also been doing some research online and I found this doctor that says if your thyroid is very low, it wont even show up on your blood tests and that i should be on an Iodine supplement. My hair is falling out and is horribly thin, im tired all the time, my skin is dry, I have trouble concentrating and getting up in the morning and my mood swings are horrible. Also, my Iron level is at 20. I dont know if I should take an iron supplement and the iodine just because this is such a guessing game. Any advice?
Posted by: gayle | Feb 19, 2009 12:25:54 PM
since i've been taking zinc, i've noticed that i am tired more often so i am now taking an iron supplement. i do not take them together. i take zinc at night on an empty stomach. i take the iron supplement in the morning with breakfast. i have to say that i now feel much better since taking the iron. is 50mg of iron too high of a dosage? i only take 20mg of zinc.
Posted by: rosi G | Feb 4, 2009 11:33:59 AM
i have been advised to take iron supplements but i am pregnant and i dont want to get constipated.
Is there a liquid which i can take which will not cause constipation
thanks
MRS Gee
Monica's Response: Congratulations! It's not the tablets that can cause constipation, it's the iron. So taking a liquid is unlikely to help. To minimize any constipating effect, be sure your diet contains plenty of fiber, fluids, and fruits and vegetables (which contain magnesium).
Posted by: Momen | Jan 5, 2009 3:19:30 PM
"Dear doctor,
I have read that iron is best absorbed in acidic environment.So why most manufacturers prefer iron supplements to be taken on empty stomach although food increases stomach acidity?
Thank you for your help, sorry for bothering you
Momen
Posted by: | Jan 2, 2009 3:18:25 PM
Regarding getting protein from Milk: I'm sorry you were advised to get your protein from milk and milk products. There are much better ways to get protein in forms that are much more usable to you body. Some people are anemic because of dairy products. Try high protein plant foods: Quinoa, garbanzo beans, edimame beans,nut butters (almond, cashew, peanut,etc..), lentils and all sorts of beans. These are proteins that are more usable. Animal proteins leave a certain amount of undigested protein in you blood system which cause disease and inflammation. They also inhibit calcium absorption. Best to stay away from these kinds of protein. Good luck.
Posted by: | Jan 2, 2009 3:01:35 PM
Regarding taking iron with calcium: As far as I have been told by my integrated med. Doc, and what I experienced when I was pregnant, you should not take Iron with calcium. When I did the iron stopped working for me. Doc's should know this.
I have also been instructed by a integrated medicine nurse that iron should be taken as an iron complex (2 different kinds of iron) for the best absorption.
Try this: Now brand Iron Complex highly bioavailable, non-constipating, with vitamins and herbs. It has C, Folate, B-12 Dong Quai, Red Rasberry in it. 27mg per tablet. It is very affordable and can be found at any health food store. fine to take on an empty stomach but eat a little something shortly after taking. Good luck everyone.
Posted by: Ashley | Dec 30, 2008 8:19:34 PM
I am taking slow-fe, slow release iron. If your worried about constipation, you don't have to worry about it with this iron pill. It worked very well the first few days.
But, i am wondering if my drinking tea everyday is hindering my absorption of iron. So, i will try to not drink tea for at least two weeks and see how that goes. Other wise i strongly suggest slow release fe, its really gentle on your system.
Also spinach, spinach is the most amazing thing ever. When i was really anemic ( due to a fibroid) i would eat baby spinach from the bag. Its really good and great for you and a great source of iron.
Also try drinking oj and tomato juice. Seeing that iron absorption does best with some sort of acidity. If i do not have oj around i will drink water and plop an airborn or emergancy- c in it. Those things are filled with vit c and b vitamins.
Posted by: Mada | Dec 9, 2008 5:41:57 PM
I've had a problem with low Iron before and had a friend give me some horse pills she called "The Everything Pill". Well, I dunno if there's actually one called that but they did worked beautifully w/out side effects. This was in 2002-2003.
Unfortunately, I'm taking Iron again for the same reasons.
I have to take 65 mg (equivalent to 325 mg Ferrous Sulfate) 3x/day. So I tend to take 1(one) around 10 am after I'm up and already starting the day. By then I've had already finished 1 Quart of Water and get my next big jug of water ready. I eat an Orange each time I take the pill. I try to eat half of it before I actually swallow the Iron pill then take my time eating the rest. I was getting so sick the first couple times but I wasn't drinking that much water with it either.
Oh also I've been getting these bar from Rainbow Grocery called Oskri Organics- SESAME BAR w/Date Syrup. They're a buck a piece and I eat a pack of em every other evening. They have 90% of the Daily Value (DV) of Iron suggested according to the 2,000 cal diet; in the Nutrition Facts. They're hella good too. I'm not sure if the other flavors have that high of an Iron count as the Sesame Bar w/Date Syrup. http://www.oskri.com/
I hope all of you with Anemia are able to find the best way for each of you to feel better and able to keep low Iron in the past. ;)
Paz y sol!
Oskri Website for the Sesame Bars:
http://www.oskri.com/
Posted by: joy del rosario | Dec 2, 2008 12:05:36 AM
I am not going to give any comment,but would like to ask if taking iron(92mg of ferrous fumarate each tablet)and vitaminC (500mg of ascorbic acid each tablet) at a time is fine or not? I hope i will have the answer. Thank you!
Posted by: Yesica | Oct 6, 2008 1:31:13 AM
Floradix is great for iron - its liquid form so you absorb it a lot easier than tabs.
As for what to mix with iron, vit c is supposed to be good, but because I am on zinc supplements too (liquid zinc), I can't take the zinc and iron together because it hinders the absorption of copper!
Can't win, but high protein diets leech calcium from bones so check the dairy intake! Recipe for osteoporosis.
Posted by: Cindy | Aug 14, 2008 10:20:02 AM
I am told to take 300mg per day of Iron - not sure if that is correct? Does anyone know? It really affects my stomach and I take it first thing in the morning. Any suggestions?
Posted by: Emily Nowak | Aug 3, 2008 7:46:04 PM
Question for Monica - I am a Rouen-En-Y Gastric Bypass patient and am required to take a 29mg Iron Supplement as a result of the surgery. I take a 27mg Chewable Iron Supplement that contains 100mg of Vitamin C. My question is what are the guidelines about taking the Iron with Calcium? I have been under the impression that I should not take the Iron with Calcium, which includes my required liquid Calcium supplement and milk products; I take Calcium three times a day other than the milk products. I have been waiting 2 hrs before and after having milk products or my Calcium to take the Iron. Is this true? And, if so, how long should I wait to take my Iron before and after ingetsting Calcium or milk products? My diet is heavy with milk products in an effort to get my required protein levels addressed. I am having a very difficut time working my Iron into my diet.
Posted by: Emily Nowak | Jul 27, 2008 1:07:46 PM
I am a Rouen-En-Y Gastric Bypass patient and am required to take a 29mg Iron Supplement as a result of the surgery. I take a 27mg Chewable Iron Supplement that contains 100mg of Vitamin C. My question is what are the guidelines about taking the Iron with Calcium? I have been under the impression that I should not take the Iron with Calcium, which includes my required liquid Calcium supplement and milk products; I take Calcium three times a day other than the milk products. I have been waiting 2 hrs before and after having milk products or my Calcium to take the Iron. Is this true? And, if so, how long should I wait to take my Iron before and after ingetsting Calcium or milk products? My diet is heavy with milk products in an effort to get my required protein levels addressed. I am having a very difficut time working my Iron into my diet.
Posted by: Debbie Walters | Jul 15, 2008 11:23:22 AM
Talking from personal experience a lot of shops and online retailers can fob you off with cheap versions that don't do the job so i spent quite some time looking for reliable sources on the Internet and came across a site that sells iron supplements that was also recommended to me by a friend. http://www.goldshield.co.uk
Posted by: dotslady | Jul 2, 2008 11:05:09 AM
I had low ferritin because of celiac disease. I've been taking 100mg elemental iron and 500mg of vit C for about a year and my ferritin responded accordingly. I was constipated at first, but it went away after a few weeks.
I went through several types of iron before settling with the tablets from Sam's Club. When I took liquid iron, my teeth and the gum area turned an ugly gray color. It went away, but it took a while. I take mine before bed after my dinner meal has had time to digest.
Posted by: Nancy | Jul 1, 2008 6:10:59 PM
I was put on prescription iron supplements that pack a whopping 150mg of iron per serving (at 2x per day) to correct serious iron-deficiency anemia. It has been so frustrating taking the stuff because the instruction label basically says ingesting most anything with it interferes with the absorption. PLUS - it is so terribly expensive and not covered by health insurance.
I finally had a hysterectomy to correct the fibroids that seemed to be the source of the anemia, and so I'm hoping to be able to dispense with these supplements soon.
Posted by: dori | Jun 30, 2008 2:12:05 PM
I've found that liquid iron from food sources is the best absorbable form of iron with minimal gastric upset. The one I usually recommend is Floradix iron and herbs. The web site is http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/usa/products/r64771.asp
Posted by: Jana | Jun 30, 2008 12:00:27 PM
I have been chronically anemic for most of my life. I take a prescription iron capsule (88 mg of elemental iron in gel form) that I have found to work for me. A nutritionist also advised me to take sublingual B12 (500 to 1000mcg) with the iron to enhance absorption. My MD suggested I also take it with a glass of O.J. although that can wreak havoc on my stomach sometimes. I also avoid eating eggs within an hour after taking the iron (per package insert)
Posted by: Derek | Jun 30, 2008 11:58:52 AM
What are the best foods to eat to get more iron? Further, would regular exercise cause an iron deficiency - or the opposite?
What symptoms would indicate an iron deficiency?
Posted by: Jillian | Jun 13, 2008 9:54:06 PM
The answer above is correct, however, I would add a few points. If you take iron with food it will decrease your chance of developing nausea, but at the cost of iron absorption. Absorption can be decreased by over 50% if taken with food. If that is the case, you will either need to be on iron much longer (as it will take longer to replace your body's iron stores) or you will need to get IV iron, which you probably do not want to do (it is not tolerated especially well, most ppl have muscle aches and other side effects). That being said, many ppl do take iron supplements with food because they cannot tolerate them any other way.
It is perfectly fine to take iron with a multivitamin, but it's not going to affect absorption. Iron is best absorbed in an acidic environment, and so many ppl will take iron with vit C tablets to acidify the stomach contents. The amount of vitamin C in a multivit is quite low, not enough to have an effect on the pH of the gastric contents. I haven't heard anything about copper affecting iron absorption.
