Anyone else have this problem with iron pills???

My doctor wants me on some iron pills, since my iron is low. My problem is NOT constipating but that dreadful word....D-I-A-R-R-H-E-A!!!!! Any suggestions out there to get the iron up w/out the side effects??? No, I can't take Immodium. ~Roiann

The iron in red meat is more easily absorbed than iron in plant-based foods. To increase absorption of iron from plant based foods, have them with a glass of orange juice. Iron is better absorbed in an acidic environment. Women under the age of 50 need 15 milligrams of iron per day. Infants need 6 milligrams of iron per day. Everyone else needs 10-12 milligrams per day. 3oz. beef liver has 5.8 mg.; 3oz lean sirloin has 2.9 mg.; 3oz skinless chicken breast has only 1 mg. of iron. Fortified breakfast cereals have 4.5-18 mg of iron. Hot cereals usually have higher amounts. This is more than red meat but we absorb the iron from red meat more readily. One ounce of pumpkin seeds has 4.25 mg; one tablespoon of black strap molasses has 3.5 mg; ½ cup soybean nuts has 4 mg. of iron and ½ cup kidney beans has 2.6 mg. I had the opposite problem when I was on iron pills Sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope what I found can give you some different ideas of how to get up your iron levels. Tracey 5'9 327/170 below goal

Yes I have the D word also from Iron. Orange juice I DON"T THINK SO. As far as I know that would cause dumping in some patients. Try and find a timed released iron pill, one thing I did learn is iron must be taken by itself and not with any other vitamins or medications. I usually took mine at night right before I went to bed. The timed released ones seem to help me alot. Hope this helps. Phyliss

I only included the orange juice part of my post, because I thought she was pre-op. Tracey

Hi Roiann, I have low ferritin as well and my surgeon just had me add 18 mg of iron to my supplements. I take a vitamin and mineral formula for over 50 and iron was removed since there usually is no period. It's been 2 weeks I added the iton and first 10 days I spent most of my time in the bathroom, last few days has been better so I hope my stomach is now adjusting. Strangest thing before surgery I most of my life have been on perscription iron and always caused constipation.