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

I also take my iron (for low ferritin) on alternate days, with an over the counter laxative (to minimise constipation) & vitamin C. I take these at night as I drink a strong coffee in the mornings, & drink a couple of litres of water a day. All together it sorts me out

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-29034-9

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ferrous-sulfate/how-and-when-to-take-ferrous-sulfate/

Have a look at the Patient UK leaflet on constipation

Haven’t read all the replies as in a rush but no spray / over the counter stuff is going to work for anaemia. They just don’t have the levels required like the prescribed tablets / ferrous fumerate etc. I’ve had anaemia my whole life (related to lupus) and I’ve ended up being on one ferrous fumerate 210mg every day long term as I can just about tolerate that but every time I’ve had 3 a day for a short course I just feel awful and it just returns as soon as I stop the course.

If you can face it eat beef liver sauteed in butter. Tablets never worked for me, but liver two or three times a week, and back into a healthy range. I remember my granny telling me that when I was in my twenties.... took me long enough to catch on.
One thing though, eat the liver without veggies as they can interfere with the uptake of iron and B12.

@ you need ferracru. It’s on prescription. Will not irritate your tummy or bowel.

I have also cannot tolerate or risk any complications from iron tablets as I have ulcerative colitis.

The hospital suggested ferracru, gp hadn’t even heard of it!

Game changer

Why have I never heard of this - what a great idea. I loved reading about how they are donating them to women in Cambodia where anemia is a huge problem and it is resolving the issue. Such a simple idea!

Haha. My DD who has the liquid said yesterday 'mum, it tastes like the smell of the brown food bin!' Mmm yum! 🤮

I'm waiting for injection/IV. As the liquid gives me diarrhoea and tablets constipation. My ferritin is currently 8 and iron 3.3.

The initial outlay on the fish is relatively painful but it lasts a good while and has no I'll effects!

It might not have as much iron in as you need but may be worth trying.

Can you afford a private iron infusion?
It's not a cheap option but works wonders.

I swear by these - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B2LZ8SZX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Take them with a fizzy vitamin C tablet and before tea/coffee. Took my levels from 10 to 150.

Thing is most shop bought iron tablets dont bump your levels back up. They're just how much you need daily. You need to take the stronger ones. Speak to the gp about trying some different ones or an infusion maybe?

Floradix capsules or ferroglobin capsules work for me. Also heard good things about the spatone sachets to put in a drink

Sytron which you can get on prescription is the most gentle on digestive system.
It's the only one I have been able to tolerate.

I’m so glad I looked this up, I had been imagining a fresh fish and having to cook everything in fishy water 🤢!!

The fish does not work, it’s a nice idea but has no effect.
@Redandbluespots i also have endometriosis and a similar ferritin level. I get an iron infusion once a year which brings it up to 70+ within a week

I also suffer from low ferritin. I have found this FB group an invaluable source of information www.facebook.com/share/M4ajXESZJgca2sWv/?mibextid=K35XfP

@LapinR0se gutted the fish is pointless 😂 I’d do anything to avoid iron infusions! They don’t work on me for very long. I have endometriosis and suspected Coeliacs and it means it simply won’t get absorbed :( I feel so shite

I don’t understand the ins and outs of medical stuff. I just know I feel like crap 😂

Thank you for all of your suggestions. I am going to take it at night with orange juice, every other day.
I can't take anything meat related unfortunately as I'm a vegetarian x

This is the site I use for information. You need to read the guides on a desktop computer though.

Sytron liquid worked for me in pregnancy. It looks and tastes like cough mixture. Not cheap but I did get it on prescription.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/iron-rich-plant-foods

That's really helpful. Thank you ☺️

Both dairy & wholegrains inhibit absorption too, so make sure you’re not having either of those within 2 hours of the supplements.