Best Iron Supps?

[run granola]

I've been searching for a little while and haven't found anything about gluten free iron supplements. I've tried so many different types of iron over the years and the only one that I seem to be able to tolerate for any length of time is the Gentle Iron from Solgar. Unfortunately it is only 25 mg and not sure how much is getting absorbed because I'm still low- and I'm up to 5 a day.

I have a VERY sensitive stomach and I'm a competitive distance runner.

Anyone have any experience with Repliva? It was reccommended by a doc, but it might have gluten in it? I can't find any information on whether it does or not.

Thanks for any advice!

Dana

[wolfie]

My dr just prescribed Repliva for me last week. I contacted the manufacturer and it is gluten-free. I just started to take it yesterday. I am also very sensitive to iron and most iron pills make me feel horrible. So far, so good with Repliva.

[trents]

I've read that distance runners tend to be low on iron. There are theories as to why but no concrete answers. Some say its due to the destruction of red blood cells from the "foot pounding". Some point to evidence of GI bleeds in about 20% of the cases. Some attribute it to increase in serum volume and dilution of red blood cells. It may be a variety of things and different in individual cases. At any rate, it would seem wise for distance runners to take iron supplements, especially if they have celiac disease, as long as they have their H&H and ferretin monitored. You don't won't to overload on iron either. It can damage organs.

Have you tried taking a little vitamin C with your iron pill? Iron absorbs better in an acid environment. Also, avoid taking it in close proximity (about 2 hours) to calcium supplementation, high calcium meals or drinking coffee or tea. Calcium and the tannins in coffee and bind with the iron and render it unavailable. There is something in eggs as well that binds with iron so the experts advise not taking iron close to an egg-based meal. Of course, all these precautions might improve absorption but they may also exacerbate the problem you have with gut irritation. If you are taking the iron supplement on a relatively empty stomach between meals make sure you drink a full glass of water with it. I've found that helps too.

What are your hemoglobin, hematocrite and ferritin levels at anyway?

Steve

[rmreynolds]

There is a liquid iron supplement available at good health food stores (I have seen it online as well). It is called Floradix FLORAVITAL Iron + Herbs. It comes in two formulas, one of which is Gluten-Free. You actually take a shot of it in the morning and at lunch...it doesn't taste too great, but the results are good. It is easily absorbed and has virtually no side effects, or none that we have noticed.

Good luck!!!

[surfgolden]

  run granola said:

I've been searching for a little while and haven't found anything about gluten free iron supplements. I've tried so many different types of iron over the years and the only one that I seem to be able to tolerate for any length of time is the Gentle Iron from Solgar. Unfortunately it is only 25 mg and not sure how much is getting absorbed because I'm still low- and I'm up to 5 a day.

I have a VERY sensitive stomach and I'm a competitive distance runner.

Anyone have any experience with Repliva? It was reccommended by a doc, but it might have gluten in it? I can't find any information on whether it does or not.

Thanks for any advice!

Dana

[surfgolden]

  wolfie said:

My dr just prescribed Repliva for me last week. I contacted the manufacturer and it is gluten-free. I just started to take it yesterday. I am also very sensitive to iron and most iron pills make me feel horrible. So far, so good with Repliva.

I have been using Repliva for several months now. It is easy on the stomach and apparently efective.

Surfgolden

[JillianLindsay]

Does anyone know if Polyride FE is gluten-free? I can't find any information on their website, and it's Sunday, so I don't imagine I'd have much luck giving them a call. Thanks

It's a Canadian product (made in Mississauga), so my Canadian celiac friends may be more familiar with this product!

Thanks,

Jillian

  On 9/6/2007 at 7:17 PM, surfgolden said:

I have been using Repliva for several months now. It is easy on the stomach and apparently efective.

Surfgolden

[MaryJones2]

Prescription Chromagen is gluten-free. OTC SlowFE is gluten-free and a lot of members use it.

[Charlie's Girl]

I've tried several and always go back to OTC Slow Fe- I have no side effects from it. I take it with a gluten free time release Vitamin C as Vitamin C is supposed to help with the absorption. I have been taking iron for 20 plus years and tested ok for iron but low ferritin levels. Hmph- celiac- go figure.

[K-Dawg]

I also have a very sensitive stomach. I now use Proferrin. Google it. I find it to be great. It is heme iron polypeptide and you can take it with food, etc. So great. And high sbsorbancy.

Good luck

KP

  On 9/3/2007 at 5:09 AM, run granola said:

I've been searching for a little while and haven't found anything about gluten free iron supplements. I've tried so many different types of iron over the years and the only one that I seem to be able to tolerate for any length of time is the Gentle Iron from Solgar. Unfortunately it is only 25 mg and not sure how much is getting absorbed because I'm still low- and I'm up to 5 a day.

I have a VERY sensitive stomach and I'm a competitive distance runner.

Anyone have any experience with Repliva? It was reccommended by a doc, but it might have gluten in it? I can't find any information on whether it does or not.

Thanks for any advice!

Dana

[cap6]

My iron counts keep coming back low even after taking supps so my dr suggested a liquid as it is easier for the body to absorb. I have been taking Floradix FLORAVITAL and it seems to be working. I took it for a month, ran out & went back to the pills and I can feel the difference.... am sooo tired again so it's back to the liquid. Take with a meal. Taste isn't bad.