Iron supplement - can't remember what it's called

[MBB]

I've been told I'm slightly anaemic and would benefit from some iron. I remember seeing an iron supplement mentioned quite a few times on mumsnet but have searched the site and can't find it, (think it might begin with f?). I understand that the iron I'm likely to get from the doctor's (haven't collected the prescription yet) will probably give me constipation so am v keen to avoid this! If anyone has any suggestions I'd be really grateful. Also, if I manage to find an alternative, how will I know if its the 'right strength'?

floradix - you can get it from health food shops. I (pregnant) have also been taking Spatone (Boots) which contains the recommended extra amount of iron needed during pregnancy.

I took Pregnacare all the time I was pregnant (& am still taking it) and always had excellent results on blood tests! It's got plenty of iron plus things like folic acid and B12 which are also v good for anaemia (apparently iron on its own is less effective). It certainly didn't make me constipated either. One a day tablets, available from Boots etc. I highly recommend, especially as it doubles as a multivitamin, which I found reassuring. I also ate steaks with a glass of orange juice to help absorption, but that's no good if you're veggie.

Floradix!!! Thats what I was thinking of - thanks v much. Started on the steak last night, followed by dark chocolate and orange juice - top class diet! Should I give the prescription stuff a miss then, do you think, in case I take too much? Or check with the pharmacist, although I suppose she will side with the doctor.

you can also get floradix in tablet form - i could never face the liquid version!

You could try Solgar's Gentle Iron- guaranteed non-constipating which has 179% of the RDA (recommended daily allowance). It was recommended by my SIL whose Hb (haemoglobin)count was only 8.5 after a myomectomy(removal of fibroids), ie v low and shot up to 13.5 after just 6weeks. A v good result! No constipation in sight!

Yes, important to take extra C and B12 too as one helps the absorption of iron and the other helps to create new red blood cells.

I was anaemic throughout both my pregnancies and absolutely hated the Pregaday tablets I was given, so my midwife recommended Floradix with my first pregnancy which was brilliant. However, with my second pregnancy my GP prescribed Fersamal Syrup, which is liquid iron similar to Floradix, although the advantage is you can get it on prescription. I had no problems taking this.