[flowermama]

My iron levels were tested when I was pregnant with DD2 and were low, so my ob told me to take an iron supplement. I tried a few but they made me feel incredibly sick (one made me throw up). I was tested again when DD2 was about 6 months and they were still low, I think 17 or 19 - my GP told me the normal range is 30-150. At the time I wasn't eating a lot of red meat as I was on a very restricted diet to breastfeed DD2. Since then though I've been eating plenty of red meat, at least 3 times a week, plus we eat a lot of green vegetables like broccoli and beans. My iron was just tested again and is lower, 13. I don't understand how it can be lower when I eat red meat regularly! My GP left a note telling me to take an iron supplement but I really can't stomach them. Any ideas as to why my iron would be decreasing rather than increasing with regular red meat/green vegetable consumption??

[PatG]

There is some interesting info here about the absorption of iron from different food types and factors which can increase or decrease your absorption.


Funnily enough the more iron stores you have the less you absorb and vice versa - not so helpful!

ETA new link as other didn't work http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/b.../Iron_explained

This post has been edited by PatG: 17/02/2013, 05:10 PM

[causeway]

Maybe try a liquid supplement.

Also check out food combinations which may increase the absorption of iron. For example, drinking orange juice with your breakfast cereal can help with iron absorption

[rosie28]

Try Spatone if you have trouble with other supplements- it's a naturally occurring high iron water, you can mix it with orange juice. It's the only one that doesn't upset my tummy in one way or another!

[flowermama]

Unfortunately that link didn't work, PatG! I did try a liquid supplement and funnily enough that was the one that made me throw up. I'll stock up on some orange juice and see if that helps. I am still breastfeeding but I don't think that affects iron levels too much.

[hoohoobump]

I'm currently trying to increase my iron levels as I have been soooo tired. Ferritin low in recent blood tests.

I have to make sure I don't have tea/coffee close to food as well as that can effect absorption. I was told it was also the dairy that inhibited absorption, so I'm always confused by he advice re:breakfast cereal and OJ...

[MakeLoveNotBacon]

Are you taking the supplement on an empty stomach? Perhaps speak to your GP about an iron injection and further testing.

[niggles]

I'm trying to get mine back up but in my case I haven't been eating a lot of red meat so that's back on the menu. Sort of.

I'm taking a supplement with whatever meal is lowest in calcium and avoiding tea or coffee at that time too (calcium and tannins inhibit absorption). My supplement has Vitamin C included in it to aid absorption.

I've noticed a bit of difference in my fatigue but I can tell I'm not there yet. It's been 2 months since I've been making more of an effort.

[duckasorus]

Im constantly up and down with my levels.
I was told to have vit c (like a good quality juice) when taking the tablet as it carrys the iron or something?

[Juju38]

I have had the same problem on and off in my pregnancies. The best supplement (no nausea or constipation) and I have tried them all (!) is Metagenics. You can only get it from naturopaths and some doctors. It gets my levels up again fairly quickly with 2 per day.

Good luck