Is There An Iron Supp That Is Gently On The Stomach ?

[marciab]

Hi,

I am anemic (hemo 9.9) and in need of an iron supplement. Perimenapause - fun, huh ?

My doc prescribed Niferex, but it made my stomach bloat and gave me tons of gas. I took them for 6 days before giving up on them. It's been 7 days since I took the last one and my stomach is still hurting. He ordered an iron iv for me back in Feb, but won't this time because he said there could be side effects. Evidently someone recently had a problem with this.

I am gluten, soy, dairy, corn, and egg sensitive. But, my stomach is easily offended if I don't watch what I eat. Garlic and onions are out too. And meats just sit on my stomach.

I was hoping one of you would know of a supplement that really is easy on the stomach. I am eating raisins, molasses, spinach, and almonds, but haven't brought myself to buy a steak yet. I've been to the meat counter twice now, but they are just gross looking now that I have been a vegan for 10 months.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Marcia

[jenvan]

Slow Fe is definitely the most gentle I've used. I took iron for years b/c I finally had an iron infusion to correct the problem. Go here to view product: Open Original Shared Link

[Canadian Karen]

I always found taking liquid iron was easiest for me to absorb and easiest on my stomach.....

[marciab]

Jen,

Thanks for our reply. Here is the inactive ingredient list for Slow Fe -

Inactive Ingredients: Cetostearyl Alcohol, FD&C Blue 2 Aluminum Lake, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Lactose, Magnesium Stearate, Polysorbate 80, Talc, Titanium Dioxide, Yellow Iron Oxide

I am having problems with dyes, red for sure and maybe others. And I am pretty sure lactose is a problem too. Lactose is usually from cows milk, right ? I haven't tried goat milk yet.

I hate to spend anymore money on meds/supplements that I can't use. The Niferex was $22. It has red dye, so that could have been the problem.

Karen,

Thanks for replying. What kind of liquid iron do you take ? I didn't realize there was one. I was considering asking my doctor for whatever iron they give babies. I am assuming it is the least offensive. I even eyed the formula with iron today.

Any other ideas on foods ? I may have to give in and go buy a Maverick Ranch steak at Publix. Boy how things have changed over the last few months. I used to love steak.

Thanks again ... Marcia

[CarlaB]

I used to take Solgar gentle iron. It's made to be easy on stomachs. I do not know if it's gluten-free as I took it before I went gluten-free. I also don't know about the dyes. But it was easy on my tummy!

[jenvan]

Marcia-

Sorry that won't work for you. Leafy greens are rich in iron too. However, my iron was so low that iron-rich foods were not enough. If you continue to have trouble with supplements or your iron continues to decrease, you may want to meet with a hematologist and discuss an infusion.

[marciab]

Carla,

Thanks for the reply. I will look into Solgar and see if it is a good candidate for me. These food allergies are driving me nuts !! I appear to be allergic to salt now. Actually kinda already knew, just didn't want to give it up. Now, my lips are swelling everytime I eat it though. If they would JUST swell evenly I wouldn't care. : )

Thanks Jen,

I hope it doesn't get that far. I had a Lupron shot yesterday in order to try to control the bleeding. This whole experience has been frightening. I've been going through this this time since Feb. I did this once in 2005 and thought it was a fluke. Not any more though ...

I am hoping I can absorb enough iron through my foods that I don't have to get an infusion. Is that the same as a tranfusion ? My GYN keeps telling me I have to be careful we don't let things get that far. I am wondering if he sees a hysterectomy in my near future.

Today I am going to buy that steak and eat it. Yech !!!

My daughter graduates today from high school !!!! Yeah !!!!

Thanks for being here and being so helpful ... I could not have done all this without you ... Marcia

[jenvan]

It sounds like it would be frightening Marcia! An infusion is similar to a transfusion in procedure, but the iron is synthetic--it does not come from another person. It was an easy and pretty painless procedure. Your doctor puts you on an iron iv and you sit as the iron goes into your body--takes several hours....but in bad situations its a godsend. My iron levels have stayed normal since, and it has been over a year since the procedure. I may have to have another though, we'll see... So, hopefully things will get better for you soon! But just in case you need one, the infusion is really easy.

[aaascr]

www.florahealth.com - has a gluten free liquid iron

supplement - they sell it in Whole Foods or

it 's available online as well. Hasn't bothered

me yet, just started on it about a month ago.