Iron Deficiency & Alternatives to Iron Tablets

[Tinyflutterby]

Hi, I am 32 weeks preg with ds#2 and despite taking 2 sachets of Spatone (alternative to iron tablets) my levels keep dropping. I have now switched to Floravital (also alternative) and am hoping and praying that it will be enough. Felt so breathless and lethargic today I gave in and took an iron tablet as I feel so awful I could cry, but I've felt so ill ever since that I don't know what to do. My stomach just feels really upset and I havn't been able to eat anything all day. Has anyone else had any experience of alternative treatments being successful? I think the Floravital will work but I may just have to give it some time. Thanks.

Hi. I had the same and it was horrible. My doctor prescribed some slow releasing iron tablets. First time round I stopped taking my iron tablets when I ran out around 38 weeks. Baby was born at 41 and she was low in iron. I had to give her liquid iron for 4 weeks which was terribly hard on her stomach. I felt so bad.. I would talk to your GP sooner rather then later about alternatives.

My sister's GP recommended eating liver - he said although the general recommendation is not to do so, the risk of low iron is far greater than the risk of eating some liver. As it was her third child she was relaxed enough to do so. But I would agree - speak to GP

www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/food-sources-of-iron.php
Dried apricots also. I would try to get an emergency app at the GP's today OP. Hope it you feel better soon.

Ask your GP for a different type of iron. Ferrous fumarate made me feel worse (sick, weak); ferrous sulphate is fine. You might have to try a couple of kinds (still might not work but worth a shot!)

Thanks everyone. I tried Ferrous Fumarate first and as it made me nauseous, stomach cramps etc. I tried Ferrous Sulphate, which was the one that made me feel so ill yesterday. I will speak to GP again and see if there's anything else. Have to get my blood checked again in a couple of weeks, so if it hasn't gone up by then will have to do something more.

When you speak to GP, ask if there is any reason you can't take more Spatone. I'm sure I've seen someone on here taking 6 a day.

Try 'Spatone' or 'Floradix' supplements - can buy them in most major supermarkets and in health food shops. Worked wonders for me during & after my first pregnancy & all without the horrible side effects of traditional FeS04 tablets!

My mw told me drinking fresh orange juice helps the body absorb iron, so maybe add some juice aswell.

I found the liquid iron supplement prescribed by the doctor a lot easier to stomach than the tablets - sorry I can't remember what its called?

Eat red meat everyday washed down with oj. I have been doing this plus fortified weetabix for breakfast plus pregnacare tablets and my iron levels are starting to creep up ...

Hi everyone, just an update in case anyone else is struggling with the iron tablets. I'm still taking Floravital every day, in addition to Ferrous Fumarate, but as a liquid instead of tablets. It tastes VILE, but seems to be a lot gentler on the stomach, especially if you take it with food. I'm also taking the extra Ascorbic and Folic acid prescribed by the GP. got a week to go 'til I get my blood checked again, but don't think I've been as breathless/lethargic the last couple of days, so hopefully it's working. Am also eating more red meat, fresh orange juice etc. and cereals fortified with iron. Was eating porridge but it has no iron added so having Weetabix or similar.