anemic - best source of fibre for iron tablets

[star6]

So, found out today after blood test that I am anemic and need to take iron tablets. I hear they cause constipation, though - any tips on the best source of fibre to prevent constipation? I'm a pretty well balanced eater and vegetarian.

Spatone is less likely to give you constipation. Might be worth a shot?

Thanks! do I need a prescription for that?

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spatone is great, i still take it daily now and ds is 3.
You can buy it in Boots, about £6 for a months supply, just add it to OJ at breakfast because its very metallic to taste

does the anemia not go away after pregnancy? I thought it came on as a result of pregnancy...?

Try dried apricots - help with constipation, contain lots of iron in their own right, and taste lovely. Drink with OJ for added effect

Hi Star6,

In pregnancy there are greater demands for nutrients like iron as the baby develops, usually after the birth things will catch up after a few months.

Rambleon is spot on with the orange juice bit, vitamin C taken at the same time as iron can increase absorbtion.

what happens when you're pregnant is that your blood volume increases so the iron is more diluted if you like -not a problem unless you have symptoms of anaemia (can'r remember at this late hour ,tiredness,is a biggie) The optimum level for your HB while pregnant is between 9.5 and 10.5 ,lower and you could have a proper anaemia, higher and growth issues start to creep in, the blood needs to be dilute to give the baby a good supply of oxygen and nutrients. Hope that makes sense!

Ok now I'm confused. Midwife this morning said my iron level was 11, and that if it gets to below 10.5 they offer iron tablets. Advise was to start eating red meat (i'm mainly veggie at the mo) as it's better to boost iron levels using diet if poss - obviously iron tablets have undesirable side effects.

dont they still advise you to drink Guinness?

I drank mackesons and lime cordial while pregnant. I think it helped. Couldnt bear Guinness. Probably not recommended now!

I'll try and find the link for you, but basically you midwife is talking out of her fundamental orifice - 11 plus is the norm if you're not pregnant
here from the ukmidwirery archive -there's a study reference about halfway down - also google haemodilution in pregnancy

Floravital liquid is great and doesn't make you constipated, it's a different iron compound than the tabs and is believed to be more easily absorbed.