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Original poster

Iron deficiency anaemia

22 replies

catnipkitty · 17/04/2015 16:08

Just had call from GP, ferritin levels 7 micrograms, lowest normal is 12. Have been prescribed iron tablets for 12 weeks. Any experiences from anyone? I've not heard good things about taking iron tablets...is there a good alternative?

OP posts:

Clarella · 17/04/2015 21:58

I haven't had any issues, there's s other sort you can try if you do. Do take lots of vit c too - take with orange juice and/ or a fizzy vit c tab. Vit c helps absorb iron.

I heard of some sort of expensive iron thing from Amazon, would have to try to find out what it was.

I'm surprised you weren't offered an infusion though?

Clarella · 17/04/2015 21:59

Don't take near any calcium contains food either, to boost absorption.

Ohanarama · 17/04/2015 22:01

Cut down on things containing tannin too... tea, coffee, wine etc

mousmous · 17/04/2015 22:02

try what is prescribed first. you might be ok with it.
if not you can get back to gp to get duodenal tablets, they only dissolve in the intestine and have fewer side effects.

greensnail · 17/04/2015 22:03

I've never had too many problems with iron tablets. I'm also on them for 12 weeks currently, so long as I take them with food it is fine, otherwise I can feel a little nauseous.

Lagoonablue · 17/04/2015 22:04

Didn't experience any problems with them. Why are you anaemic though? It's a symptom of something.

Original poster

catnipkitty · 18/04/2015 08:46

thanks for replies. To be honest GP wasn't a lot of help, no dietary advice as in the vitamin c and calcium advice above, no suggestions of further investigations as to what's caused this, she thought maybe heavy periods and I should go on the pill, which I don't want to do for other reasons.

OP posts:

TendonQueen · 18/04/2015 08:54

7 is very low so like Clarella I'm surprised you haven't been offered an infusion which would get the level up faster. In your position I would take the iron and look into alternatives like liquid iron later. As said above, take with orange juice as vitamin C boosts its effect, and don't have tea or coffee for an hour afterwards (or milk with cereal, for instance) as the calcium reduces the iron's effect. GPs are not great at explaining this stuff but do push. It must have been dropping for quite a while to be at 7 and it will take weeks to bring it up.

Kennington · 18/04/2015 08:58

I squeeze lemon juice on my steak now. Greek style. It is yummy.
Beware of a little constipation. You will feel better soon hopefully.

AuditAngel · 18/04/2015 09:03

Dried apricots are a good source of iron, plus obviously red meat and green leafy veg, the darker green the better.

You don't mention if you are pregnant, red wine is a good source of iron, a relative was instructed to drink a glass a day to help her iron levels which are really low.

Kundry · 18/04/2015 09:04

The vast majority of iron deficiency anaemia in women is due to periods - and so you can do something to make your periods lighter (which you don't want to do) or you can take the iron tablets. You might find different iron tablets easier but the things people often recommend such as Spatone are easier because they don't contain nearly as much iron. If you are iron deficient there isn't an alternative treatment, you need the iron.

I found iron tablets constipating but not nearly as bad as being anaemic. Plus you can then take something for the constipation, I wouldn't drag out getting better just because of some constipation.

If you don't do something about the periods (am guessing you may be TTC) then you may need to stay on the iron longer or permanently as you will just get anaemic again when you stop.

Kundry · 18/04/2015 09:06

Leafy veg is a bit of a myth for iron - the form of iron they contain is v difficult to absorb, plus a massive portion of leafy veg is still mainly water. Popeye has a lot to answer for

NeverTalksToStrangers · 18/04/2015 09:14

I seem to have an unusual history with iron.

I wasn't on iron tablets with either of my pregnancies yet after ds1 my iron levels post birth were very high. So much so that EVERY midwife/doc/whatever would say "oh that's a good reading, were you on iron tablets?". I asked one of them if it could be because I was drinking so much milk due to cravings (about 10 litres a week, seriously) and they were like "no, calcium should do the opposite".

Then I was on iron tablets post ds2 and again last summer as I was very run down during my period and my transferrin levels were low (the others were just ok). Both times I noticed my skin was clearer and more porcelain looking (I have a bit of rosacea). Improving skin is not something it's known for. Weird.

MarvellousMarbles · 18/04/2015 09:28

Coeliac disease causes anaemia. Maybe check out the Coeliac Uk website and see if any symptoms sound familiar? It is a massively under diagnosed disease. DC1 was anaemic and on iron supplements for a year before anyone thought to test him for it. Doctor kept saying it must be because we were vegan. We're not vegan, as I told him every single bloody visit.

Clarella · 18/04/2015 09:54

Yes that is odd. Though your body could just be very good at gathering iron during pregnancy! Maybe you craved the milk as it was almost too high. I think the first trimester citrus craving might be to do with increasing iron. Are your periods heavy?

Are you not feeling quite unwell at that level?

My iron dropped further when trying to raise by eating rare meat, eggs and three packets of spatone a day with orange so do try the tablets. I've been treating us to rare venison steaks from the butcher each week. I think some people do the same with liver shudder

Clarella · 18/04/2015 09:57

I must say, regarding coeliac- my mil has been through the mill over feeling weak and unwell, pale stools for around a year. Lots and lots of tests and Coeliac was ruled out but in the end the consultant advised trialling elimination diets - and cutting gluten was the answer.

Original poster

catnipkitty · 18/04/2015 11:59

Thanks again. No not pregnant or TTC. I'm 45 with 3 kids plus working so I just thought I was old and knackered! The gp did suggest the Mirena coil which I need to look in to, but I do not want to take the Pill again as had problems when on it when younger.

OP posts:

HorsesDogsNails · 18/04/2015 12:07

My iron level was 6 when I finally went to the Dr and I was prescribed Ferrous Fumurate which I take with no problems. My periods were very heavy and after referral I had an endometrial ablation which has helped massively. I still take the tablets but only 1 a day as a kind of reassurance really!

Lagoonablue · 18/04/2015 14:10

Yep. I had low iron, folate and b12 and found out was coeliac. Worth thinking about.

ArgyMargy · 18/04/2015 14:13

I managed to increase my iron levels while pregnant (normally they fall) by eating apricots, almonds & orange juice. Eggs too but in moderation as they can also cause constipation.

YouPooPooBumBum · 18/04/2015 14:15

I had a level of 6 and had to have iron by IV - I felt great after!
Have you tried Spatone? - Take it with a vitamin C tablet. If you take one or two a day it might work. They are expensive but don't have such bad side effects.

Cockbollocks · 18/04/2015 14:18

Spatone, you can take two sachets if iron is very low or pregnant.

Worked for me with none of the side effects.

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