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Tolerating Iron Supplements?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/31/2010 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hello! I have been a long-time lurker to this board and wanted to pose a question to see if anyone else has had any luck with this particular situation. I was diagnosed with UC back in 2002 and I think I have a mild case as I have never been hospitalized. I currently just take Asacol. I am currently 8 weeks pregnant and have been in complete remission since I have gotten pregnant.

After reviewing my blood work from my last ob/gyn appt, my NP recommended that I take an iron supplement due to anemia. She recommended taking the Slow FE brand of supplements, and to also take with a stool softener. I decided to pass on the stool softener for now as constipation has never really been an issue with me with UC.

Last night, after just 24 hours and taking 2 pills, I experienced diarrhea with blood and tissue, vomiting, and a great deal of pain. It had been about 36 hours since my previous bm so I am wondering if things were blocked up and resulted in this "flare." I am thinking about starting off at a much smaller dose and building up to the level she recommended. I am also thinking the stool softener might be helpful just to keep things moving along, but I don't want to further aggravate anything and go into a full flare. Has anyone here had any luck tolerating iron supplements with UC and have any tips they can share?
Posted 3/31/2010 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
My GI prescribed Tandem when I was anemic, and I had no problem with it. Be sure to take your iron with food of some type, as this will help prevent irritation. Beans, coffee, tea and wine all contain substances that interfere with iron absorption, so avoid them.

I'd hold off on the stool softener unless your stools start getting firmer. Do be sure you get plenty of fiber and water in your diet.
Posted 3/31/2010 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
I used Slo-FE a while back, and it seemed to work well. My symptoms didn't get any worse from it. I did notice that the additional iron definitely firms up BMs, so maybe that's why a stool softener was recommended for you. I agree with Judy about taking it with meals.
Posted 3/31/2010 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
My iron level is at 4 when the normal is between 20 and 50. I get 200 mg. of Venofer through IV every 5 weeks. My doctore told me that when your iron is so low, the pills will not be able to bring it up to acceptable levels. Once it is up, then you can take the pills to maintain it. When I was taking the pills I was very sick, but the Venofer infusions are easy on my body. You might want to mention it to your doctor.
Posted 3/31/2010 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
There was a study done on how iron supplement exacerbates colitis (see link below). I personally cannot tolerate any iron supplements. But, I eat liver sometimes and juice spinach to get the extra iron I need. I heard on another message board that someone's doctor prescribes iron through an IV.

Read article here
Posted 3/31/2010 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
I have been anemic before, my Hg was 8 (normal 14-18).  I just went to my local Costco store and bought Naturemade Iron.  Each pill has 325 mg of ferrous sulfate.  I have never done IV iron or used slow Fe.  This one is easy on my stomach and I usally take it with a little vitamin C, orange juice or orange.   The vitamin C helps absorb the iron better.  Also dairy and calcium and caffiene inhibit iron absorption.  I would give mine a try as it worked well for me.  My las Hg count was 14.5, about a month ago.
Posted 3/31/2010 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
I have had trouble on various brands, but the slow-fe works well for me. You might have to try a different brand. Or you could ask about an infusion if you just can't tolerate the pills-I had an iron transfusion the first time I was hospitalized and it definitely helped.

I agree too about taking it with food-that is a must. I definitely don't need a stool softener with the iron, but if it seems to be binding you up, it might not be a bad idea to get one.
Posted 4/1/2010 8:35 AM (GMT 0)
I understand very much what u r going through bcz I also had many problems before finding the right pill for my iron deficiency.

The one I am actually using is called 'Orofer'. N its good, no bad side effects apart that it may constipate u a little.
Posted 4/1/2010 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
BostonGirl-

I'm sorry to hear about your flare. Is the SloFe ferrous sulfate? I've been told ferrous sulfate can be very irritating to the gi tract, which is the last thing UCer's need. You might want to seek out and try Iron bisglycinate. I've found it at health food stores, made by Solgar. It's 25mg so it's not a therapeutic dose, but it doesn't seem to irritate my daughter as the ferrous sulfate supplements have. And taking it with meals, and some form of Vitamin C for increased absorption, might help keep the irritation factor down.
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