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what to take for multivitamin with iron?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 10/21/2010 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Recent bloodwork shows that I am ever so slightly iron deficient anemic.  Can anyone recommend a good multivitamin with iron for crohn's?  The GI doc mentioned taking a gummi vitamin and/or a childrens chewable with iron.  Started looking at the store today and I can't seem to find a vitamin with iron., maybe I need to go to GNC or something.  Or do I need to take iron separately? 
Posted 10/21/2010 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Did your doctor specify the amount of elemental iron you should be taking daily?

If not, I would ask for this information since too much iron can be dangerous although it is unlikely you will have that problem if you are only taking it in a multi-vitamin.

Once you know that info then I would suggest you check the iron content in multi-vitamins for teen girls/women or to use during pregnancy. These often have larger doses of iron than typical multi-vitamins.

You may also want to make a point of increasing your intake of iron rich foods. Malt-o-meal is an excellent source of iron that is pretty digestible.

If your ferritin is extremely low, you are going to need to continue iron supplementation for up to 1 year in order to rebuild your iron reserves.

It is important to avoid taking iron within 2 hours of milk products. And it improves absorption if there is vitamin c available. You could take the iron with OJ or grapefruit juice or eat an orange to help this.

We use a time-release formula that combines Vit. C, Vit B complex and Iron when my son's ferritin drops. This has worked really well for him and the dose of iron is pretty low (15 mg per capsule).
Posted 10/21/2010 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
I just went and bought several vitamins yesterday.. and saw some for iron but I can't remember what they were, I'm sorry I didn't pay better attention!

I do know that you need make sure you take iron with food because it can upset your stomach. My dr gave me a prescription of 'slow fe' a couple years ago when I was borderline anemic.
Posted 10/21/2010 7:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I'm am not sure if they sell the childrens vitamins with Iron over the counter because when my kids have needed iron the doctor always wrote a presciption for the multivitamin with iron. If you end up taking iron seperate from the multivitamin then you might want to have something to eat before hand and don't lay down for about 1 hour after. For some reason it said that on my presciption bottle and I felt like there was so many rules to taking the iron that I still haven't started it yet :-/. I think I will ask my doctor about the childrens chewable multiviatamin with iron that my kids took so at least I will get some iron in me.
Posted 10/21/2010 7:47 PM (GMT 0)
The iron in a multi vitamin is usually such a small amount and so poorly absorbed that it's useless for the most part. Chicken livers are a great source of iron, I think you'd be better off with a serving of those a few times a week.
Posted 10/21/2010 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
I take a multi-vitamin for women that is a soft gel. It has calcium, iron and vit D3. I think it was Nature Made? Found it in the vitamin aisle at Walmart.

Posted 10/22/2010 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, the women's multi-vitamins have iron in them.  I just buy whatever is cheaper at Walmart...they are a once daily multi-vitamin.  But, if you dr. thinks you should have more iron than what they contain, you might need to get something else.  I usually take mine at night now along with all of my other meds and I don't seem to notice it bothering my stomach.   

Posted 10/22/2010 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
I just saw some today at Kroger, I think it was Flintstones of all things in a chewable. I was told to drink orange or pineapple juice when i need to take iron to help it be absorbed. also figs are chock full of iron if you can eat them. I get dried ones and its like a fig newton w/o the cookie part.
Posted 10/22/2010 10:17 PM (GMT 0)
My GI told me to get pregnancy vitamins like someone else mentioned. The reason is that they have more iron and in a formula that is gentler on the digestive system. He also said all the stuff about when to take it is not really a big deal, because in truth other stuff doesn't make too much of a difference in absorption. The important thing is to take it regularly and help your system build itself up.

I have also taken a liquid iron solution that I got at a health store. One doctor a long time ago recommended it. It was also easier on the system and more absorbable (if that is a word!) I just find that a pill I can take when I'm taking other ones makes me more compliant!!
Posted 10/22/2010 11:43 PM (GMT 0)
GNC is HORRIBLE for supplements. go to a health food store or order them on-line.

take iron separately in a different supplement. dont count on the iron in your multi. do NOT get a ferrous sulfate kind. this will constipate you. also do not take iron with calcium as they compete with one another.
Posted 10/23/2010 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
My pharmacist (who is really into natural remedies as well) recommended FerroFood for iron supplement.  It is very easy on the stomach and doesn't cause the gas pains and constipation like other iron supplements can.  I like it.

Last week pharmacist told me another one of her customers uses spray vitamins.  They aren't sold at my pharmacy but she is checking on them for me.  Don't know brand or anything yet.

Posted 10/25/2010 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
I take FLORADIX

it is a liquid iron supliment with no constipation or digestability problems. Taste is ok , you do get use to it. Directions say put it in juice but I can't drink juice so I take it solo.

I also found a sublingial B12 at trader joes that was recomended by my Dr. easy!

If you have one, trader joes has some easy to digest vitamins and they are priced well.

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