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Iron pills hurt my stomach

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 5/17/2018 11:51 PM (GMT 0)
After months of telling my doctors I’m very fatigued they finally listened and noticed that it was my iron levels are low. Not my hemoglobin, that’s fine. But where I live it takes a while to get an appointment to get iv blood transfusions. So I have to wait a month. Until then they are givin me iron pills which absolutely kill my gut with cramps/ bloating/ discomfort. Any way I can reduce that?
Posted 5/18/2018 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
You could try switching to a 'gentle' formulation, which made no difference for me, but could for you. Otherwise, you'll have to wait for the transfusion. (Are you sure it's blood and not iron? Blood transfusions are normally only given for severe anaemia.)
Posted 5/18/2018 5:20 AM (GMT 0)
Yes you might be right, probably iron.
Posted 5/18/2018 5:40 AM (GMT 0)
Have you tried "Slow Fe" (slow release iron supplement)? Always take with food.
Posted 5/18/2018 12:40 PM (GMT 0)
You can also eat foods with iron:

Lentils
Spinach
Soybeans
Oysters
dark chocolate
Liver (if you like that)
canned clams
Chickpeas
chicken
sardines

If your stomach can handle
Posted 5/18/2018 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
All iron pills are harsh on our gut. You can always get an IV infusion of iron, as those lack the side effects. Really depends how low your iron levels are, and whether IV infusions are warranted.
Posted 5/18/2018 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
I am having good luck with NOW brand 18mg iron Ferrochel, iron bisglycinate.

Does not seem to bother me in the least, but it is only 18mg iron.
Another trick might be take with vitamin c to increase absorption.
This way less may get to the colon.
oldmike
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