Can anyone recommend a good Iron supplement for me?

[Luckystar777]

I have low iron levels (yet again) and needing a supplement but wondered if any of you have recommendations for one? Preferably liquid iron as I don't manage pills unless they're tiny.

I found Spatone very good. Drink it in orange juice, goes down very easily. I think you shouldn't drink tea or coffee within the hour or it doesn't work as well.

Feroglobin fizzy tablets. Very gentle on the stomach.

Another vote her for spatone sachets...I prefer apple juice with mine ...

thank you everyone. Yeah you shouldn't have tea or coffee or any calcium about an hour or two before/after taking iron because they can inhibit absorption.

Another vote for spatone, mix it with orange juice. It’s also meant to be kinder on the tummy than some others. I’ve used it after all my labours and managed fo avoid transfusions

Yep spatone here as well

I have problems with low iron though apparently not to the point of anaemia, the doctor suggested ferrous sulphate tablets which you can buy over the counter from the pharmacy, but they did caution that too much iron has complications too, so regular blood tests are needed to monitor. I had used spa tone in the past but the amount of iron in one sachet is such a minute amount compared to one tablet that I needed the tablets to get my iron back on track. I would encourage you to visit your Gp for a blood test and regular monitoring.

Agreeing with the above poster. Spatone is an expensive mistake. Very small amount of iron, it won't affect your iron levels.

I've used Vitabiotics Feroglobin Capsules really good after a miscarriage. I found them ok to swallow. Swallowing with juice can help. I think they were gel like rather than rough.

I take ferrous fumerate. Tiny tablets, so you should be fine. I tried ferrous sulphate, but they made me sick.

I only take it every 3rd day, as it's too strong otherwise and I get side effects. My GP said every 3rd day is enough to keep it in my system.

Also, make sure you don't have caffeine with it, as it doesn't absorb the same. Magnesium helps absorb it, so might be worth taking a supplement too.

How low are your iron levels OP?

I'm going to get bloods done next week. I had low iron levels in the summer last year and had been not too bad but I got some teeth out in January and bled quite alot afterwards at home :( Not been feeling right ever since with breathlessness, dizzy, feeling faint, tired all the time no matter how much I sleep and on top of that have been having heavier periods too.

What side effects do you get @HowYouLikeThemApples?

I found one supplement made me feel starving hungry after taking it, rather avoid that problem this time around.

Mainly tummy related. Sometimes constipation, sometimes the other

Also sickness, but not like the sulphate tablets. I only needed one of those and I was being sick for quite some time.

The ferrous fumerate I'm fine with, as long as it's not every day. Think it's the lowest dose, which is 210 mg I think.

I feel exactly as you describe when I don't take them.

Blue Iron, Floradix and Ferroglobin are my go-to liquid supplements.

If money is no object, Spatone is actually a very effective source of iron. Two in the morning, two mid-afternoon, one before bed. It will give you the equivalent of 25mg of iron which is all your body will be able to extract from a 210mg tablet of ferrous fumarate. The NHS can’t afford Spatone which is why the doctor will pooh pooh it. If you have a baby in an expensive private hospital they’ll recommend it.

Another spatone vote!

Bloody hell I’ve just been on the Boots website and done the maths.

A 210mg tab of ferrous fumarate is less than four pence.

Five sachets (so the equivalent bio-available dose) of Spatone cost £2.44.

Cheaper than steak I suppose, but OMFG.

I found tablets not effective whereas spatone was, not sure whether it’s because it’s a liquid?

I had an identical experience, Pentium85.

And I’m worth it.

OP If you have heavy periods, ask your GP if going on the pill is an option. Otherwise you’re just playing catch up all the time.

There’s something in the way Spatone is absorbed that makes it more effective than tablets - I’ve never taken more than two sachets a day and wouldn’t think 5 would be necessary. It’s more expensive than other options but it by far most effective for me.

Thanks everyone. I have opted for Spatone this time around, will see how it goes. If it doesn't work for me I'll try some of your other suggestions.

@humsnet they tried me on the pill 20 years ago as I have endometriosis but it only made me have unpleasant mild cramp pain pretty much the whole time instead of awful pain for 4 or 5 days. I do feel like I'm always playing catch up, of course. I think it's partly my own fault as I need to be eating more iron foods but often seem to forget to do so!

Liver,bacon and onions once a week or fortnight. Lots of dark greens etc.

@happydaysarehere Thanks, I've never had liver before, any particular type you recommend? Also, what's the best way to cook it?

Hello Luckystar777. I only buy lambs liver. I fry lots of onions and a couple of rashers of bacon per person then add the liver which has been dipped in cornflour. The flour stops it sticking and makes your gravy thicker. Turn it over as it fries. Then add the bistro granules made up in boiling water. Let it all cook away until liver is nice and tender. Serve with potatoes and dark greens. It’s my husband’s favourite meal. Do hope you feel better soon.

Thanks @HappydaysArehere that's a big help, I will try it but not sure where I can get the lamb's liver in my area. Do big supermarkets do it?

I'm absolutely exhausted this week, having one spatone a day but can't see much difference so far. In fact I am now having breathlessness and palpitations whenever I have anything that has milk in it. This is not normal for me, I don't have allergies. My mind is foggy too.

My ex would not allow liver in the house so I've never tried it. Don't remember ever having it growing up either. Forgot to ask - What does it taste like?