Improving iron levels - pescatarian with IBS

[Leftbutcameback]

I've had a blood test which shows I have low iron levels. I can't see my GP for 3 weeks, and in the meantime I wanted to try and improve levels through food. I'm a pescatarian with IBS, and I've got into a bit of a food rut I think. I can't have big plates of some veg as it triggers my IBS.

I've found some NHS guidance on levels and amounts of iron in food. So far my plan is to include more nuts, seeds, fortified cereal (cornflakes), tofu. I already have quite a bit of tuna, salmon and eggs.

Does anyone have good suggestions for easy ways to add iron? I've heard that supplements can cause stomach pain, and I have that anyway sometimes, so would like to avoid. I do know my diet needs improving anyway so this is a good nudge.

Thanks

There are iron supplements out there that do not cause stomach/bowel issues, but they have a smaller dose than prescribed iron. Nonetheless something is better than nothing to help you on the way.

I also had anaemia due to an internal bleed and was transfused and got iron infusion. Worked like a miracle. Was prescribed iron afterwards, but it messed me up so much inside that I just stopped and got over the counter stuff. Active Iron and Iron Fizz (soluble + B vits) are what I took and never had an issue. Even though the dose is not prescription strength I had bloods done recently six months into OTC supplements, and I no longer have anaemia. Very pleased about that.

I do take spinach and kale in a smoothie ever day, can't taste it at all. I don't eat meat much but am not veggie. One important thing to remember is not to drink tea with your meals or within a couple of hours of taking the supplements. Tea interferes with iron absorption, which many don't know about and wonder why their blood count is low.

Best of luck.

Thanks very much @BreakorMake - that's very useful, and pleased to hear you're feeling better now. My OH is a big fan of a kale smoothie and has been trying to get me to have them!

I'd just read about the tea, and that's something I need to change.

Thanks again

I’m frequently anemic due to ulcerative colitis. I find the prescription iron tablets hard on the guts. Pregnacare however seems to have just the right amount on iron in to deal with the anemia but not enough to upset my guts
I did try the liquid stuff but the taste is horrible

A friend recommended the Iron Protocol facebook group. It's quite intense but the guides are really helpful on dosing and when to take the supplements. I thought I had peri actually and when I told my friend all my symptoms and she said they were really similar to iron deficiency. Although I had a ferritin of 39 and so wasnt' technically anaemic (under 30), I do think the supplements have made me feel better. My hair has stopped falling out which is fab. I haven't retested yet, but hoping that my numbers will have gone up.