To want to find an iron supplement that doesn't cause digestive issues :(

[Redandbluespots]

I'm 5 months post hysterectomy and have low ferritin. My gp prescribed me a course of tablets 3 months ago, but I opted for an iron spray as I really struggle with the constipation that they cause. I have Endometriosis, so constipation doesn't help. I've tolerated the spray well and had my levels re-checked. They are actually lower than before I started the spray. Dropping from 24 to 14.
I've also tried Spatone but that caused the worst upset stomach.
Please help 🙏 xx

Hi op, my doctor suggested an iron infusion as I have ulcers and cannot take the iron tablets. I haven't done it as yet though.

The Solgar gentle iron ones worked for me.

DD uses feroglobin capsules and doesn't have any problems. I use a spray. Can I ask if its the Better You brand?

Also are you taking it with Vitamin C for better absorption and no caffeine (including tea or coke or chocolate) 2 hours either side of taking it?

Ask for a ferritin infusion! It's amazing. I'm not sure how long it lasts though....

Floravital works for me. It's a fruity liquid and I take a shot on a morning before I have my breakfast. I don't have any side effects with that one.

Floradix is similar but that one made me windy!

Metatone tonic from the pharmacy is actually quite nice !

Try iron bisglycinate, that's quite gentle. You can get it online.

Stating the obvious, but are you 1) making sure to take some vitamin C at the same time and 2) making sure not to have any calcium or caffeine at the same time?

I had low iron in pregnancy because of the above and it got sorted as soon as I learned this.

Can I ask how you were taking the tablets? The latest advice is tablets are best absorbed and tolerated on alternate days and this seems to be reducing constipation type issues a lot. Iron infusion may be an option but GP may be reluctant if you haven’t trialled a course of oral tablets but worth a chat.

I've tried several forms of iron - sulphate, fumerate, bisglycinate, spatone, floradix, all of them give me horrible cramps and diarrhoea.

The only iron I get on with is harm iron - it's the same form as found in meat. Optifer and Three Arrows are two brands I've used before.

From what I've seen online, lots of people who don't tolerate other forms do ok with haem iron.

Floradix capsules rather than the liquid which tastes like fermented compost heap.

Active Iron for women is good for this, but it’s quite expensive.

Lactoferrin

When and how you taking the tablets. Best with food and drinking orange juice...I have been known to bounce off the walls after having a tablet then crash .. honestly it's such a balancing game ..I can look drunk if iron to low slurring my words....I have taken tablets for years and find it effects me the other way now.. luckily Ive found marmite has sorted me .(Recent iron blood tests are ok and I took myself off the tablets due to the diarrhea). I think I had an vit b 12 problem although gp says it's iron. Hope you find a solution...been 20 years of judging tablets etc here...with the menopause coming up this story could change...

What about the fish? It's an actual Iron fish that you use when you boil water for soups, stews, veg, pasta etc

I had a similar issue when I was on it when I was pregnant and my midwife recommended taking them with lots of orange juice and that seemed to help

I’ve tried so many types over the years, currently using these and do find them easy on the stomach.

www.boots.com/vitabiotics-feroglobin-capsules-30-capsules-10131412?cm_mmc=bmm-buk-google-ppc--LIAs---_-PMax:+UK_Smart_Shopping_LIAs_Health&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADrIajVaNFwI2QDcTbSJ4KSR94MlU&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImYH7o7WshwMVmpRQBh3BIgHdEAQYCyABEgIqY_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I've tried Feroglobin and it causes constipation unfortunately 😕
That is really interesting. I do always use it when I'm having tea. I am using the better spray iron x

I just looked it up. I'm going to definitely think about getting one x

I have iron fusions as my stomach cannot do those pills.

They don’t keep my levels up for as long as they should but might be better for you!

Smash a tablet into 3 and have morning noon dinner stops me getting diarrhoea

That fish looks amazing!! That’s the whackiest thing I’ve seen for a long time. I want one

taking them every other day made it bearable for me. but still not pleasant.

I’m sure that if men regularly suffered from iron deficiency, much more palatable supplements would have been developed by now 🙄

I suspect your tea is preventing absorption. I take mine at bedtime with a Vitamin C tablet so I just have to avoid tea or caffeine two hours before bed.

One tablet on alternate days instead of the original prescription which was 3 x a day.